A Black woman alleges racial discrimination after being fired over a Chick-Fil-A sandwich incident at her workplace. Dawn Gibson filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania on August 19, 2024, against Crothall Healthcare Inc.
Dawn Gibson, represented by J.P. Ward & Associates, LLC, claims that she was subjected to racial discrimination and wrongful termination by her employer, Crothall Healthcare Inc., a Delaware corporation registered in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania. The lawsuit is based on violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA), and Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866.
Gibson began working as a housekeeper for Crothall Healthcare in December 2000 and was assigned to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. On July 26, 2023, free Chick-Fil-A sandwiches were provided to hospital staff by a vendor. Gibson asked her supervisor if she could have one and received permission. However, the next day, empty Chick-Fil-A bags were found in the refrigerator, leading to an investigation where only Black employees were questioned. Despite having permission to take a sandwich and no evidence implicating her in any wrongdoing, Gibson was suspended and later terminated on August 4, 2023.
The complaint alleges that Crothall Healthcare did not conduct a thorough investigation and instead targeted Gibson due to her race. "Ms. Gibson felt singled out and labeled as a thief because of her race," the complaint states. Additionally, another Black employee who was questioned but not suspended or terminated further supports Gibson's claim of racial bias.
Gibson is seeking back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress and loss of reputation, punitive damages for intentional discrimination and retaliation under Section 1981 and Title VII, injunctive relief to prevent future discriminatory practices by Crothall Healthcare Inc., costs associated with bringing the lawsuit, and reasonable attorney’s fees.
The case is being handled by Justin M. Bahorich from J.P. Ward & Associates LLC.