After the number of reported gender and race related complaints fell to an all-time low in 2006, the claims of discrimination are increasing yet again. The serious problem of employment-related discrimination has recently touched the community of Highlands Ranch, Colorado after disturbing allegations were revealed in a lawsuit. The former principal of Merryhill School shocked parents and school staff by filing a discrimination lawsuit in the United States District Court in Denver that documented various disturbing incidents.
The Allegations
Carolyn Ammidown worked for the Children’s Choice Learning Center prior to the school’s purchase by Nobel Learning Communities. After the school was purchased, Ammidown was promoted to the position of principal under the supervision of Krista Bielta. Soon after being promoted Ammidown stated Bielat made inappropriate comments to Ammidown, an African-American woman, being married to a Caucasian man.
Soon after the incident, Ammidown claims that the chief operating officer of Nobel, Patricia Millier, made derogatory comments about black people. Two years later Bielat told Ammidown that another Nobel executive was “intimidated” by Ammidown. A short time later Bielat told Ammidown that a potential job candidate was concerned about being intimidated because Ammidown was “a big, black woman” and therefore did not want to work at the school. Ammidown objected to the appropriateness of those comments and was soon placed on administrative leave before being terminated by Bielat.
The Lawsuit
Caroyln Ammidown contacted the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission after her employment was suddenly terminated. Prior to the conversation with Krista Bielta about claims of Ammidown intimidating other people, Ammidown had no documented disciplinary actions throughout 10 years of continuous employment. The termination form that Ammidown received cited every negative action listed on the company’s pre-printed form even though Ammidown states she never received any form of disciplinary action or complaint prior to being terminated. After receiving a Notice of Suit Rights in July 2017 filed suit against Merryhill School demanding a trial by jury.
Pursuing the Case
Employment discrimination against minorities is an on-going issue that both the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies actively fight against. Proper training and education regarding what practices are potentially discriminatory are encouraged, but unfortunately hiring practices along with termination practices are still flawed. If you or someone close to you has faced racial or gender related discrimination in the workplace pursuing the case is a vital part of documenting and reducing these practices.
Contact HKM Employment Attorneys
Regardless of what your employment-related issue is, the attorneys at HKM Employment are prepared to provide you with the legal assistance you need. Our discrimination attorneys are standing by to discuss your situation and help you understand your options. We have experience representing employees just like you who have faced discrimination, hostile work environments, and more. Conveniently located in Denver, Colorado we are here to help you begin working towards fairness in your workplace. Contact us today to schedule a consultation so that we can begin discussing your case.
