A former employee of a New York non-profit is suing for racial discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. On Nov. 27, 2024, Shirley Lherison filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York against her former employer, Flatbush Avenue Development Corporation (FDC).
Lherison, who identifies as African American and served as Director of Youth Services at FDC from March 2023 until June 2024, alleges that she was subjected to a racially hostile work environment and retaliated against after raising concerns about discriminatory practices.
She claims her supervisor, Executive Director Robin Redmond, made racially offensive remarks, including comparing African Americans to animals such as "monkeys" and "gorillas." Lherison also claims Redmond referred to her own husband in similar terms.
The lawsuit further alleges that Redmond physically assaulted Lherison during a virtual meeting, striking her with a chair when she did not respond promptly.
Lherison also contends that Redmond allowed other employees to make racially insensitive comments without consequence. One example cited in the complaint involves a White-Hispanic supervisor suggesting they take Lherison’s subordinates to a restaurant known for serving fried chicken, a comment Lherison finds racially inappropriate. Lherison claims Redmond did not object to the remark.
Lherison asserts that after reporting these incidents to FDC’s Human Resources Department, no investigation was conducted. Instead, she alleges that Redmond retaliated by demoting her and excluding her from important meetings.
Lherison claims this retaliation ultimately led to her termination in June 2024.
In the lawsuit, Lherison seeks $2 million in damages for lost wages and emotional distress, as well as $5 million in punitive damages. She is pursuing claims under Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, along with New York State and City Human Rights Laws.
Representing Lherison is attorney Roosevelt Seymour, based in Brooklyn. Case I.D. 24-CV-8245.