Chick-fil-A Franchise Sued for Racial Harassment and Discrimination

Allegations of Racial Harassment at Chick-fil-A

• 👨🏾‍⚖️ A Black Chick-fil-A employee, Thomas Wade, has filed a federal employment discrimination lawsuit against a franchise operator in Ammon, Idaho.
• 🐒 The lawsuit alleges that co-workers subjected Mr. Wade to relentless racial harassment, including being called an "ape," the "n-word," and compared to a slave.
• 🚫 Mr. Wade claims that managers, including franchise operator Lauren Mostellar, general manager Jessica Lanheart, and back of house director Kayla Barnes, failed to intervene or adequately discipline those involved.

Specific Incidents and Management Inaction

• 🗣️ Incidents included co-workers calling Mr. Wade "ape," "monkey," and making comments referencing slavery and his race.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Ibara family, who worked at the restaurant, were reportedly central to the harassment, with family members allegedly making racist remarks and supervisors failing to act.
• 📝 Mr. Wade reported the conduct multiple times between March and October 2023, but alleges that management inaction emboldened the harassers.
• 🚫 A specific incident involved a co-worker being whipped with a towel, with Mr. Wade being told he would "know about getting whips since he is black."

Legal Proceedings and Company Response

• ⚖️ Both the Idaho Human Rights Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) found merit in Mr. Wade's claims of discrimination and retaliation.
• 📄 The EEOC issued a notice of right to sue in February 2025, leading to the lawsuit filed in March 2025.
• 🏢 Chick-fil-A, Inc. stated that the matter involves a franchisee and that the corporation is not involved in their employment decisions, a response criticized for its perceived detachment.
• ❌ The franchisee, Marella, Inc., denied the claims, calling them "frivolous, unreasonable, or groundless" and asserting that any damages were due to the plaintiff's own fault or third parties.
• 📉 The franchisee also claimed Mr. Wade was terminated for failing to perform his job responsibilities, not for reporting harassment.