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Planned Parenthood faces yet another racism lawsuit. This time it is with the current top executives of the New York chapter.
Samuel Mitchell Jr., a black man who is chief operating officer of Planned Parenthood in Greater New York, is disproportionately subjected to background checks and racially stereotyped as “angry” and “unruly.” The lawsuit alleges that he was exposed to discriminatory language. According to the complaint, Mitchell has “a disabling neurological condition that causes stuttering and stuttering” in stressful situations.
The lawsuit, filed in the Southern District of New York on Tuesday, names PPGNY and four white female executives and directors: Wendy Stark, Andrea Hagan, Anne Davis and Gillian Dean as defendants.
Since being hired as interim COO in September 2021, Mitchell has been subjected to a “discrimination campaign” that undermines his authority at work and his ability to do his job, the lawsuit alleges. The alleged conduct described in the complaint was “spearheaded and coordinated” by board member Hagan and “encouraged” by Chief Medical Officer Dean and Deputy Chief Medical Officer Davis. According to the lawsuit, discrimination “intensified” when Stark was appointed president and CEO in August 2022.
Mitchell also accused PPGNY of taking no action after repeatedly complaining about their alleged behavior.
Jacquelyn Marrero, a spokesperson for Planned Parenthood of Greater New York, said the organization “strongly denies any false allegations” from Mitchell, calling Mitchell a “recent addition to our executive team.” (Mitchell moved to the role of permanent COO in April 2022.) “The number one priority for team members is supporting our mission to provide access to reproductive health for all. It’s a safe, diverse and equitable workplace where we work,” says Marrero.
Hagan, Dean, Davis and Stark did not respond to individual requests for comment.
Mitchell, who the lawsuit said was the only black male on the organization’s executive team, was forced to undergo more background checks than the young white female employees.
In October 2021, when board treasurer Hagan learned that Mitchell was an ordained pastor, several board members said Christians and pastors like Mitchell “work at PPGNY.” It is not welcome,” and allegedly tried to portray his church as an anti-abortion church. “In a particularly aggressive attempt to end plaintiff’s employment,” the lawsuit states.The lawsuit did not disclose the name of Mitchell’s church or denomination., His attorney did not respond to requests for clarification.
According to the complaint, after Mitchell complained about their alleged conduct, he says the organization failed to reprimand them, making their actions even more daring. Instead, Mitchell was “disproportionately and excessively” monitored, micromanaged, and ridiculed for his Southern drag and pronunciation at meetings, the lawsuit says.
The lawsuit also states that as COO, Mitchell assumed the role of interim CEO and lost a $13,000 bonus.
At a September 2022 meeting, a young white woman who served Mitchell filed a report on his behalf because “the effects of plaintiff’s disability prevented her from doing so,” the lawsuit said. says. His colleague was later quoted as saying that the woman was “a much better communicator” than he was. It was,” the complaint states.
The lawsuit claims Mitchell’s experience with the organization is not unique, citing previous reports of racism allegations at Planned Parenthood, including an article published by BuzzFeed News.
The complaint also references another lawsuit filed by Nicole Moore, former Director of Multicultural Brand Engagement at Planned Parenthood. Nicole Moore tried to silence her for alleging a pattern of anti-black racism and voicing her concerns about the treatment of black employees. She was subsequently fired. The Southern District of New York has submitted this case to court-requested arbitration.
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