A former employee has filed a lawsuit against a behavioral health services provider, alleging gender discrimination and retaliatory termination. Octavius Burnett filed the complaint in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on September 9, 2024, against Bethanna Foundation LLC.
Burnett's lawsuit accuses Bethanna Foundation of violating Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act (PHRA). He claims that he was subjected to discriminatory treatment and retaliation during his employment, which ultimately led to his wrongful termination. Burnett was employed by Bethanna from December 2018 until May 22, 2024, serving as an IBHS Director. Throughout his tenure, he reported primarily to Mace Cooper-Drew but also had interactions with other key management figures such as Kristina Carr and Christine Nichols.
Burnett alleges that he observed favoritism towards female employees in various forms, including waivers for licensure requirements granted to female employees but not males, differential treatment based on communication tone and greetings, and higher compensation for females. In April 2024, Burnett sought a promotion alongside Carr but felt discriminated against during the selection process. He voiced his concerns about gender disparities to Justin Ferkler from HR but received no meaningful follow-up.
On May 1, 2024, after Carr was promoted over him despite her lack of clinical experience and licensure deficiencies compared to Burnett's qualifications, he met with Nichols to express his frustrations. Nichols acknowledged his concerns but did not take any substantial action. The situation escalated when Burnett was asked to supervise a clinician reported for alcohol consumption at work because it was deemed unsafe for a female employee to handle it.
By mid-May 2024, Burnett had made multiple complaints about gender discrimination and retaliation. On May 21, he contacted Ferkler again to discuss filing a formal complaint. The next day, while driving on the turnpike, Burnett received a call from Carr informing him that he was being terminated effective immediately due to alleged insubordination and questioned character and leadership.
Burnett is seeking compensatory damages for lost pay and benefits, punitive damages for willful misconduct by Bethanna Foundation LLC, equitable relief including reinstatement or front pay if reinstatement is not feasible, damages for emotional distress/pain and suffering, costs of litigation including attorney’s fees, and a jury trial.
The case is being handled by Ari R. Karpf of Karpf & Karpf P.C., under Case ID: 2:24-cv-04738.