The Board of Public Utilities (BPU) in Kansas City, Kansas, is embroiled in its tenth discrimination lawsuit, with an employee, Eric Lindsey, alleging repeated harassment. The federal lawsuit, filed on Tuesday, adds to a series of legal actions accusing the BPU of race and disability discrimination.
Background: Eric Lindsey, a Black carpenter who has been with the BPU since 2012, is the latest individual to take legal action against the utility company. The BPU has been facing a string of lawsuits, including one last year where an employee reported the use of racial slurs, and another employee claimed a supervisor made both racist and sexist comments. Additionally, a lawsuit alleging disability discrimination was filed. In 2022, five more employees sued the Unified Government, the owner of the utility company, citing racial discrimination, hostile work environments, and targeted investigations.
Details of the Lawsuit: Lindsey's lawsuit outlines instances of discriminatory behaviour, including an employee admitting to being "yes, kind of" racist and responding to Lindsey with a racially insensitive remark. Furthermore, two employees allegedly obstructed Lindsey's work by removing a breaker from an electrical panel, hindering his ability to ventilate while working. In another incident, Lindsey was assigned to remove flooring containing asbestos without prior knowledge of its presence. Subsequently, he faced derogatory remarks related to developmental disabilities from a colleague.
Discrimination Claims and Retaliation: The lawsuit emphasises a pattern of discriminatory, abusive, and harassing behaviour orchestrated by the Unified Government. Lindsey contends that despite making several complaints, little action was taken, and, in some instances, he faced retaliation for speaking out against the discriminatory practices.
BPU's Response: In response to the allegations, BPU spokesperson David Mehlhaff stated that the BPU cannot comment on pending litigation. The utility company is facing increasing scrutiny for its workplace culture and alleged failure to address discrimination claims.
Conclusion: As the tenth discrimination lawsuit unfolds, the BPU in Kansas City, Kansas, finds itself under continued legal scrutiny. The allegations highlight the importance of addressing workplace discrimination and fostering an inclusive environment. The Unified Government's response and the legal proceedings will undoubtedly shape the narrative surrounding the BPU's commitment to combating discrimination within its ranks.
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