On August 29, 2000 plaintiff filed suit against her employer, John Knox Village (a retirement community), in the Federal District Court for the Western District of Missouri. Plaintiff alleged that John Knox Village had engaged in a pattern or practice of racial discrimination against African Americans. Specifically, plaintiff alleged that the defendant fostered a hostile work environment, gave African Americans less desirable assignments, failed to promote qualified African Americans, and retaliated against African Americans who complained about the intolerant work environment.

The suit was joined by other African American employees and became a class action on behalf of all current and former employees of John Knox Village. The parties pursued a settlement and filed a consent decree with the court on March 15, 2002. The consent decree created a $3,750,000 fund to cover attorney's fees and compensate all class members. It also provided that defendant would prohibit discrimination, educate residents regarding diversity, post EEOC guidelines and provide EEOC training, create a diversity committee, and take steps to creating a diverse workforce and a tolerant atmosphere.

The court approved the consent decree on May 31, 2002. It applied to defendant for three years with an annual obligation to report to the court regarding the steps being taken. The final report was filed on January 14, 2005.

Michael Perry - 07/24/2010


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