Even though Americans would like to believe that they are an accepting group of people, the evidence suggests quite the opposite. In fact, an annual report shows that systemic racism continues to bring black people’s quality of life down in all areas, including employment, healthcare, and education.
Lots of African Americans deal with discrimination in the workplace and outside of it daily. One such case to consider is the lawsuit against Equinox by a former employee, Röbynn Europe.
Read on to find out the intricacies behind this case and how you should fight for your fights as well if you get involved in a similar situation.
Background Story
The defendant, Röbynn Europe, worked at the luxury fitness gym company Equinox’s East 92nd Street location. She managed personal trainers.
She was terminated only a year after she started working for Equinox. The reason? She was late 47 times during her employment with Equinox.
The truth was that Ms. Europe wasn’t the only person who was late for work at Equinox. There were others as well.
She decided to file a lawsuit in a federal court in Manhattan against Equinox for discrimination based on her race and gender. She said that she was subjected to a hostile work environment as well.
The Equinox Case
Her case was fought by self-styled feminist litigation firm Crumiller P.C. Ms. Europe claimed that Equinox was aware of the racist and sexually inappropriate behavior. Even though she complained to her manager and HR about her male subordinate’s inappropriate comments, no action was taken against the subordinate in question.
Instead, Ms. Europe was fired for her lateness. The litigation firm proved that there were 7 other managers who clocked in late frequently as well, and who never received any disciplinary action for this or any reprimands.
The jury consisted of five women and three men and they found Equinox to be at fault in this regard. They awarded Röbynn Europe $11,250,000 in the verdict: $1,250,000 in compensatory damages and $10,000,000 in punitive damages.
This was a great victory for African American women everywhere who have to deal with such discriminatory behavior at their workplace, but can’t speak up because they are afraid of losing their livelihood. Ms. Europe should get commended for her bravery and willingness to hold Equinox accountable for their misogynous actions.
Equinox has filed an appeal and a post-trial motion seeking a new trial or a reduction of the jury’s award.
Lawsuit Against Equinox – Ms. Europe Prevails
It’s not every day that you see justice prevailing as it did in Ms. Europe’s lawsuit against Equinox. African American women do not need to live in fear of losing their jobs and can speak up about the injustices they face at their workplace.
If you are in a similar situation, please contact us. Our discrimination attorneys are ever ready to help you fight against your employer and get the compensation you deserve.