Maria DeLoatch has filed a civil action against Global Software LLC, doing business as Insightsoftware, alleging unlawful employment practices. The complaint was filed on May 13, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.
According to the filing, DeLoatch, who worked as an Operations Specialist at Insightsoftware from June 20, 2022, until her termination on June 7, 2023, claims she was subjected to discrimination and retaliation based on her disability (hyperthyroidism) and race (African-American). DeLoatch asserts that despite maintaining satisfactory job performance, she faced significant challenges after disclosing her health condition. She alleges that her requests for reasonable accommodations were ignored and that she was placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) with unattainable goals only after informing her employer about her health issues.
The complaint details several instances where DeLoatch's requests for medical leave and insurance coverage were mishandled or denied. For example, after losing her insurance coverage through her father in April 2023, DeLoatch sought to enroll in the company's plan but did not receive timely assistance from Human Resources. This delay affected her ability to seek necessary medical treatment. Additionally, when DeLoatch requested accommodations such as a modified work schedule and frequent restroom breaks due to her condition, these requests were either ignored or inadequately addressed.
DeLoatch also contends that she experienced racial discrimination as the only African-American woman in her department. She believes that this discrimination influenced how she was treated compared to other employees who received support during their health-related issues. Despite multiple attempts to address these concerns with supervisors and Human Resources, DeLoatch claims no effective action was taken.
In terms of relief sought from the court, DeLoatch is asking for reinstatement to her former position with appropriate pay and benefits. She is also seeking back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life, punitive damages for intentional misconduct by the defendant under various counts including ADA violations and racial discrimination under Title VII and Section 1981. Additionally, she seeks attorney fees and costs associated with the lawsuit.
Representing Maria DeLoatch is Brendan D. Hennessy of Hennessy Law Firm. The case has been assigned Civil Action No.: 2:24-cv-02048-MRP in front of Judge MRP.