ST. LOUIS -- A white man is suing the U.S. Postal Service over his Black co-workers' use of the "N" word.
Lyle Herrington filed a federal complaint on June 23 in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri against Louis DeJoy, Postmaster General of the United States Postal Service for discrimination, hostile work environment and retaliation.
Herrington alleges that the harassment began around July 2019 from three other employees, all of whom are Black. Herrington alleged that during the incidents, his co-workers would use the "N" word every day, multiple times per day.
"Herrington finds the continuous use of the 'N' word both subjectively and objectively offensive and disheartening," his lawsuit says. "Management knew or should have know that the use of the 'N' word was ubiquitous, persistent and prevalent, yet no one was disciplined for using the word."
Herrington alleges having filed multiple complaints with EEOC, and after doing such, he was called into his work place for a pre-disciplinary meeting. Herrington alleges that he was subjected to punishment that other co-workers were not.
Herrington seeks compensation for emotional distress, punitive damages, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney's fees and cost of suit. Herrington is represented by Christopher B. Bent.
U.S. District Court Eastern District of Missouri case number 4:21-cv-00761-SEP