Vanda Jenkins has filed a lawsuit against Florida Developmental Disabilities Council, Incorporated in the Circuit Court of the Second Judicial Circuit, Leon County, Florida. The case number is 24-CA-2024 CA 000468 and was filed on March 20, 2024. The lawsuit alleges that Jenkins was subjected to racial discrimination under the Florida Civil Rights Act.
Jenkins, an African American female who had been employed by the defendant since July 2006, claims she was subjected to disparate treatment due to her race. Her lawyers assert that despite her excellent work performance, she faced different terms and conditions of employment compared to her Caucasian colleagues. The claim involves damages exceeding $50,000.
The complaint details instances of alleged discrimination by specific individuals including Executive Director Valarie Breen, Human Resources Representative Kristen Conlin, and Interim Director Sue Kabot. It alleges that these individuals treated African American employees less favorably than their Caucasian counterparts. The plaintiff further alleges that her constructive termination on February 3, 2023, was a result of continued disparate treatment and retaliation for reporting the issues.
Jenkins is seeking judgment under the Florida Civil Rights Act and damages in excess of $50,000 exclusive of costs and interest.