In a striking legal battle that could set significant precedents for workplace discrimination cases, Rochelle Price has filed a complaint against the Board of Supervisors of the University of Louisiana System and several individuals associated with Nicholls State University. The lawsuit was filed on February 10, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana. The defendants named in the case include Alexander C. Barnes, Alison Hadaway, and Christy R. Hawxhurst.
Rochelle Price, who served as a Police Officer 1 at Nicholls State University from January to May 2024, alleges that she was subjected to a hostile work environment due to her hearing disability. According to Price's complaint, she experienced continuous harassment and discrimination based on her disability and gender. She claims that her superiors forced her to disclose medical information about her hearing impairment and subsequently made disparaging comments about it. Price recounts an incident where Lieutenant LaVerne J. Glenn yelled at her in front of colleagues: “I’m not trying to sound like a bi, but you better step the fu-- up because those officers are not gonna put up with your fu--ing shit. You better wear your hearing aids from now on.” Such incidents contributed to what Price describes as an abusive work environment.
Price's lawsuit asserts violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She argues that Nicholls State University failed to provide reasonable accommodations for her disability and retaliated against her after she filed complaints regarding workplace harassment. Furthermore, Price contends that the university's actions violated the Louisiana Police Officer Bill of Rights by disciplining her without following due process.
The plaintiff seeks various forms of relief from the court, including back wages, reinstatement or front wages, compensatory damages for emotional distress and mental anguish, punitive damages for intentional infliction of emotional distress, attorney’s fees, and litigation costs. Additionally, Price requests an injunction prohibiting future unlawful practices by the defendants based on age and retaliation.
Representing Rochelle Price is The Khan Law Firm L.L.C., with attorneys Shermin S. Khan and T. Alexander Hartford leading the legal charge. The case is presided over by Judge [Name] in the Eastern District Court under Case ID 2:25-cv-00283.