TALLAHASSEE -- A woman is suing the Florida Department of Health for wrongful termination after she says she blew a whistle about the disability discrimination she experienced while an employee.
Debra Runyon filed a complaint on June 11 in Leon County Circuit Court against the Florida Department of Health for public whistleblower retaliation and disability discrimination.
According to the complaint, Runyon began her employment at the Florida Department of Health in October 2019 and worked there until June 10, 2020. Runyon alleged that during her employment, she was treated differently because of her autoimmune disability that significantly limits one or more of activities of daily living including concentrating, sleeping and breathing.
On March 12, 2020, Runyon took the part-time position Regulatory Specialist II. On March 16, 2020, Runyon allegedly became ill and on March 24, 2020, Runyon's request to telework was approved.
Runyon alleges that she was asked to come into the office to do certain trainings, and at those times, she was put in a room with others who would not wear masks, increasing her chances of catching the COVID-19. Runyon reported the issue to her supervisors, she says.
Runyon alleges that while she was able to continue telework, she was treated differently than other workers and not trained properly by the Florida Department of Health, which ultimately caused her to be fired on June 10, 2020.
Runyon seeks general and compensatory damages, attorney's fees and cost of suit.
Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit in and for Leon County filing number 128625659