A group of former employees has taken legal action against a healthcare company, alleging systemic racial discrimination and hostile work environments. The complaint was filed by Shannon Harris, Walaa Ismail, Deshon Smallwood, and Cornell Williams in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on February 24, 2025, targeting PMR LA Holding, LLC, known as JenCare.
The plaintiffs accuse JenCare of violating several federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 1991 amendments, 42 U.S.C. § 1981, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). They allege that JenCare engaged in racial discrimination by subjecting African American employees to different standards than their Caucasian counterparts. The lawsuit details numerous instances where African American employees were allegedly placed on Performance Improvement Plans (PIPs) unjustly and terminated despite meeting or exceeding performance goals. Shannon Harris claims she was subjected to racially charged remarks from her supervisor and was terminated under false pretenses after being assured her performance was satisfactory. Similarly, Walaa Ismail alleges that despite medical leave accommodations due to her disability being promised by management, she faced retaliation upon returning to work. Deshon Smallwood recounts incidents of sexual harassment and racial discrimination that went unaddressed by JenCare's management. Cornell Williams reports being held to different performance standards than his Caucasian colleagues and ultimately terminated without justification.
The plaintiffs are seeking various forms of relief from the court, including compensatory damages for emotional distress and punitive damages to deter future discriminatory practices by JenCare. They also demand reinstatement or front pay in lieu thereof and a declaration that JenCare’s practices violated federal law.
Representing the plaintiffs are attorneys from law firms specializing in employment law. The case is presided over by judges assigned within the Eastern District of Louisiana under Case ID 2:25-cv-00374.