A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a major university, alleging severe discrimination and retaliation during her pregnancy and maternity leave. On June 4, 2024, Lauren Millbyer filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against The Pennsylvania State University, operating as Penn State Hazelton.
The case revolves around allegations that Millbyer faced discriminatory treatment after notifying her employer about her pregnancy in May 2022. She claims she experienced hostility from colleagues and management, particularly from two colleagues named Susan Bartal and Kim Lombardo. Despite notifying the university's human resources and upper management about the harassment, Millbyer alleges that no action was taken to address her concerns. Instead, she asserts that she was subjected to further discrimination and retaliation.
Millbyer detailed numerous incidents where she felt targeted due to her pregnancy-related complications and subsequent need for medical accommodations. For instance, she was hospitalized multiple times during her pregnancy due to conditions like placenta previa and gestational diabetes. Despite informing her supervisors about these issues, she claims they responded with increased hostility rather than support. "After learning about Plaintiff's pregnancy... Plaintiff was treated with hostility and animosity by Defendant’s management," reads one part of the complaint.
In October 2022, less than a month before starting maternity leave, Millbyer received a "Letter of Conversation" criticizing her relationships with Bartal and Lombardo. This letter came despite her complaints about their discriminatory behavior towards her. Following this letter, she escalated her concerns to higher authorities within the university but found no resolution.
Upon returning from maternity leave in February 2023, Millbyer alleges that the hostile work environment worsened. She recounts being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) shortly after returning to work—a move she believes was designed to expedite her termination under false pretenses. During this period, she overheard conversations indicating that management was plotting her dismissal while attempting to avoid making it appear retaliatory.
Ultimately, on May 3, 2023, Millbyer was terminated from her position under what she describes as pretextual reasons related to performance issues fabricated by management. Her termination came despite ongoing complaints about discrimination and retaliation which were never adequately addressed by the university.
Millbyer's lawsuit accuses Penn State Hazelton of violating several federal laws including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (specifically the Pregnancy Discrimination Act), the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). She is seeking compensatory damages for lost wages and benefits, liquidated damages for emotional distress, punitive damages for willful misconduct by the defendant, as well as reimbursement for legal fees.
Representing Millbyer is Ari R. Karpf from Karpf & Karpf P.C., while Judge Robert D. Mariani will be presiding over Case No.: 3:24-cv-00925-RDM.