PHILADELPHIA – An African-American cook is suing his employer alleging that he was discriminated against and treated in a hostile manner due to his race.
Jonchristopher Savage, a Norristown resident, filed a complaint Dec. 12 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Foulkeways at Gwynedd Inc. alleging discrimination, retaliation and hostile work environment.
According to the complaint, Savage was hired by the defendant as a cook in August 2014, and after he was hired he allegedly began to be treated in a hostile manner by those in the workplace. These actions committed by others included, but were not limited to, questioning Savage's masculinity, making racial stereotypes and more, the complaint states. Because of his treatment, Savage says he complained to his managers and even wrote letters concerning the matter.
The complaint states that after filing a written complaint, he was suspended without pay in October 2014 pending an investigation in which a co-worker claimed Savage showed her inappropriate photos. Savage denies this claim. He was terminated from his position in November 2014, the complaint states. He is suing the defendant, claiming that it was unlawful to be treated in this manner.
Savage is seeking compensation of an unspecified amount for all damages suffered. He is represented by Ari R. Karpf of Karpf, Karpf and Cerutti PC of Bensalem.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 2:15-cv-06543