A former employee has filed a lawsuit against the New York City Fire Department alleging employment discrimination.
According to the complaint filed by plaintiff Xuchun Lin, a Computer Software Specialist IV at FDNY, the department engaged in discriminatory practices, including failure to accommodate disabilities and retaliation following protected activities. Lin holds dual master’s degrees and multiple industry certifications relevant to his role. He joined the department’s Information Technology Unit in July 2018.
Lin alleges that his career advancement was hindered due to bias within the department’s leadership, which he claims favored employees of Indian descent. He asserts that this favoritism led to unequal distribution of job assignments and promotional opportunities.
The complaint further describes alleged retaliation following Lin’s participation in an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) investigation into workplace bullying. He claims that shortly after his involvement, a project he had developed was canceled despite positive feedback, and that he was excluded from team assignments. The cancellation, which occurred on December 6, 2023, was attributed to “business changes.”
On December 8, 2023, Lin received a written reprimand for alleged insubordination after referencing new technical qualifications during a meeting. On June 21, 2024, he requested reasonable accommodation for a mental disability, which had been previously acknowledged by FDNY. However, he was subsequently reprimanded via Microsoft Teams messages, rather than receiving written instructions as agreed.
Lin also alleges he was excluded from significant work assignments and subjected to negative performance evaluations compared to peers. Between May and June 2024, for example, he received no assignments while a colleague of Indian descent received sixteen, despite comparable qualifications.
Lin seeks economic damages for lost wages and benefits, as well as compensatory damages for psychological distress. He also requests revocation of all allegedly unlawful employment decisions and asks the court to compel FDNY to comply with anti-discrimination laws at both federal and local levels.
The plaintiff is representing himself in this matter. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 25-cv-3772-TAM.