A U.S. court in Louisville, Kentucky, is going to take another look at a racial discrimination lawsuit filed three years ago against health insurance giant, Humana Inc. by ex-employee, Kathryn Keys.
According to official court documents, the plaintiff, an African American woman, was hired at the company in March 2005 as a director. Keys alleged that Caucasian employees were provided with more comprehensive compensation plans.
Approximately one year later, Humana reorganized the company and her position was taken away, and the plaintiff was moved to a lower position. However, Keys' Caucasian colleagues continued to hold the same positions that they had before the reorganization took place.
Keys was eventually fired from Humana because of her purported poor work performance in 2006. However, she alleges that the company terminated her without taking into account a favorable work performance review she was given in 2007.
Court documents alleged that Humana's decision to fire the plaintiff and several other African Americans was based on race.
After the case went to trial in January 2010, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Kentucky dismissed Keys' lawsuit, ruling that her allegations did not provide enough evidence of intentional racial discrimination.
An appeal was filed and earlier in July, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth District disagreed and reversed the lower court's decision. According to Business First, attorneys for either side could not be reached for comment.
Racial discrimination is never acceptable. If you feel that you have been a victim of this inappropriate behavior, you may benefit from a consultation with a wrongful termination lawyer or employment discrimination lawyer. These experienced professionals can assess your claim, try your case in court and help you recover damages that you may be entitled to.