A former employee has taken legal action against a prominent political organization, alleging discrimination and retaliation in the workplace. On June 4, 2024, Linda Lee Lucas-Hunt filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania against her employer, the Pennsylvania Senate Democratic Caucus.
Linda Lee Lucas-Hunt, who has been employed by the Caucus since July 23, 1998, as a Graphics Illustrator, claims she has faced ongoing gender and age discrimination since around 2017. The complaint details numerous instances where younger and less experienced colleagues received higher raises than Lucas-Hunt. For example, she cited colleagues Kristin Markle and Dennis Ferrer receiving more substantial pay increases despite their lesser experience. Lucas-Hunt alleges that these discrepancies were reported to Tony Lepore, Caucus Operations Officer, and Senator Jay Costa but went unaddressed.
The complaint also highlights several incidents of harassment that Lucas-Hunt endured from her colleagues. It describes how IT Director Matt Schiavo made derogatory comments about her technological abilities due to her age. Additionally, Kristin Markle allegedly made offensive remarks about Lucas-Hunt's mental health and vision. These actions contributed to a hostile work environment that negatively impacted Lucas-Hunt's professional reputation and mental health.
Lucas-Hunt further asserts that after expressing interest in the position of Graphics Director following Helen Mabus' retirement in April 2022, she was overlooked for the role despite being well-qualified. Instead, the position was given to Kristin Markle, who is significantly younger and less experienced. This decision exemplifies what Lucas-Hunt perceives as clear age discrimination within the organization.
The plaintiff is seeking various forms of relief from the court. She requests an injunction to prevent further discrimination or retaliation based on gender or age by the defendant. Additionally, she seeks compensation for lost wages and benefits due to discriminatory practices, including back pay and front pay. The complaint also asks for damages related to emotional distress caused by the hostile work environment and discriminatory treatment.
Representing Linda Lee Lucas-Hunt is attorney Larry A. Weisberg from Weisberg Cummings, P.C., while Judge Christopher C. Conner presides over this case under Case ID: 1:24-cv-00916-CCC.