Candace Edwards, a former Clinical Medical Assistant at a renowned medical facility, has filed a lawsuit alleging discrimination and harassment based on race, gender, and religious beliefs. The complaint was lodged by Edwards in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana on April 15, 2025, against Ochsner Clinic L.L.C., Ochsner Clinic Foundation, Ochsner Health Foundation L.L.C., and Ochsner Health Network.
Edwards' lawsuit paints a vivid picture of alleged systemic discrimination at her workplace, the Ochsner Medical Center in Metairie, Louisiana. She claims that during her tenure as a Clinical Medical Assistant, she faced persistent racial discrimination and sexism which fostered a hostile work environment. According to the filing, "While employed at Ochsner Medical Center facility in Metairie, the Plaintiff was subjected to Discrimination, disparate treatment, and systematic racism." Furthermore, Edwards asserts that her refusal to take the COVID-19 vaccine due to her Christian Scientologist beliefs led to additional harassment. Despite being granted an exemption from the vaccine requirement based on her religious beliefs, she alleges continued mistreatment: "Despite her exemption... Plaintiff was still subjected to discrimination and harassment for her refusal to take the vaccine."
The case also highlights how Edwards felt marginalized compared to other employees who did not share her race or gender. She describes instances where white male colleagues received preferential treatment that was denied to her. This alleged bias extended beyond professional interactions; she claims it affected her mental health and job performance: "As a result of the treated she was subjected to... Plaintiff incessantly was afraid to go to work."
Edwards is seeking various forms of relief from the court. She requests declaratory judgment recognizing the defendants' conduct as unlawful under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Louisiana Employment Discrimination Law. Additionally, she seeks compensatory damages for pain and suffering endured due to past and ongoing discrimination. The plaintiff is also pursuing attorney’s fees as well as injunctive relief aimed at preventing future occurrences of such behavior within these institutions.
Representing Candace Edwards is attorney Pius A. Obioha from the Law Offices of Pius A. Obioha & Associates LLC based in New Orleans. The case has been assigned Case ID 2:25-cv-00741.