A former employee has filed a lawsuit against Ramsey Tutoring LLC, doing business as Smith Street Workshop, alleging workplace discrimination and retaliation.
The lawsuit filed by plaintiff Siham E. Lemzabi accuses Ramsey Tutoring LLC of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866. Lemzabi alleges that she experienced a hostile work environment based on her Moroccan national origin and faced retaliation after supporting a coworker who had previously filed discrimination claims against the company. According to the complaint, supervisor Laure Bastides demonstrated discriminatory conduct by greeting only White and European coworkers and assigning menial tasks to Lemzabi. Reports to Olivia Ramsey, Head of School, allegedly resulted in no substantive action.
The complaint further alleges that Lemzabi discovered pay disparities between herself and less experienced peers. After raising concerns with management, she claims she faced retaliation from Chief Administrative Officer Barbara Shelsky and Lead Teacher Tara Meiners, including an incident in which she was physically accosted.
Lemzabi also alleges her termination was linked to her association with former coworker Keila Pote, who had previously filed an EEOC inquiry against the company. The complaint states that Ramsey Tutoring terminated Lemzabi after learning of her continued friendship with Pote.
The lawsuit seeks damages for lost wages and benefits, compensatory damages for emotional distress, and punitive damages. Lemzabi is also seeking attorneys’ fees and related costs.
Lemzabi is represented by Phillips & Associates PLLC of Garden City, New York. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID 1:25-cv-05137-CLP under the jurisdiction of Magistrate Judge Cheryl L. Pollak.