A former employee has taken legal action against a prominent dairy company, alleging severe racial discrimination and harassment in the workplace. Ronell Comeaux filed a complaint on October 1, 2024, in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana against Kleinpeter Farms Dairy, LLC. The lawsuit accuses the company of fostering a hostile work environment filled with racial slurs and threats, ultimately leading to Comeaux's constructive discharge.
According to the complaint, Ronell Comeaux began his employment with Kleinpeter Farms Dairy on May 3, 2023. However, his tenure was marred by racially charged incidents primarily involving his supervisor, Mr. Watson. The complaint details how Watson allegedly used derogatory racial slurs towards Comeaux and denied him a raise due to his race. In one particularly egregious incident in July 2023, Watson reportedly called Comeaux a "black ass nigger" and referred to him as a "slave" in front of another employee, Mr. McQuirter. Despite assurances from McQuirter that he would address these issues with Watson, no action was taken.
The situation escalated when Comeaux received threatening phone calls warning him of potential harm if he continued reporting these incidents. On multiple occasions, he reported these threats and other acts of intimidation to both Watson and higher management but found no resolution or support from the company. By September 13, 2023, after enduring ongoing harassment and sabotage at work—such as being followed home by a vehicle associated with Kleinpeter—Comeaux felt compelled to resign.
The legal filing claims that Kleinpeter Farms Dairy is vicariously liable for the actions of its employees under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Louisiana state law (R.S. 23:332). It argues that despite being aware of the discriminatory behavior since July 2023, Kleinpeter failed to take any remedial action to protect Comeaux or address his complaints effectively.
Comeaux seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress and lost wages due to what he describes as an unlawful termination based on race-related retaliation. Additionally, he requests statutory damages covering attorney fees and court costs while also seeking an injunction against future retaliatory practices by Kleinpeter Farms Dairy.
Representing Ronell Comeaux is attorney Anundra Martin from Metairie, Louisiana. The case is presided over by Judge JWD-EWD under Case ID: 24-817.