In a gripping legal battle, a former employee has filed a lawsuit against her previous employer, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation. Sanchelle Beauburn, the plaintiff, lodged her complaint in the Circuit Court of the Fifteenth Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida on January 8, 2025. The defendant in this case is ARHC ALSTUFLO1 TRS, LLC., doing business as Addington Place of Jupiter.
Beauburn's lawsuit claims that she was subjected to discriminatory practices during her tenure at Addington Place of Jupiter. She alleges violations under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981, and the Florida Civil Rights Act (FCRA). These laws prohibit employment discrimination based on race, color, national origin, or age. According to Beauburn's complaint, she faced "a continuous pattern of intentionally demeaning, derogatory, racially discriminatory, and unlawfully retaliatory conduct" which began around January 2, 2021. She accuses Drew Colello, an assistant director at Addington Place of Jupiter, of making racist remarks including calling her a "little bitch" and using racial slurs such as "bunch of niggers." Despite reporting these incidents to management including Heidi Gallagher and Robert Grossman—both senior officials at Addington Place—no corrective action was taken.
The complaint further details how Beauburn's work environment became increasingly hostile following her reports. Her schedule was changed unfavorably after lodging complaints about harassment from Drew Colello. Additionally, while company policy allowed employees to wear jeans on Fridays, Beauburn was singled out and told she could not participate in this practice despite others being allowed to do so.
Beauburn seeks several forms of relief from the court. She requests declaratory judgment recognizing that Addington Place violated her rights under federal and state anti-discrimination laws. Furthermore, she seeks permanent injunctive relief to prevent future violations by the employer and demands reinstatement with back pay along with restoration of seniority and benefits. Beauburn also seeks compensatory damages for lost wages and emotional distress caused by the alleged discrimination and retaliation.
Representing Beauburn is Colin Richards from Colin Richards Law P.A., located in West Palm Beach. The Case ID: 502025CA000139XXXAMB Div: AH.