Judge rejects race-based claims, allows hostile workplace claims from Bloomington-Normal NAACP leader

MCLEAN COUNTY (25News Now) – A federal appeals court has partially agreed with Bloomington-Normal NAACP Vice President Dr. Carla Campbell-Jackson in a lawsuit she filed against her former employer, State Farm Insurance.

The lawsuit filed three-years ago accuses State Farm of firing Campbell-Jackson in May 2016, two weeks after she brought up concerns about a racist letter sent to her and at least 10 colleagues working at State Farm’s Kalamazoo, Michigan office.

The appeals court ruled the district court erred when it confined Campbell-Jackson’s claim to the events related to that letter.

Campbell-Jackson claimed harassing activity took place between 2014 and 2016.

The appellate court affirmed the district court’s dismissal of Campbell-Jackson’s race-based termination claim but reversed the dismissal of her hostile work environment and retaliation claims.

Campbell-Jackson released the following statement:

“I am pleased that the United States Court of Appeals ruled in my favor, as I remained resolute, determined and steadfast regarding my posture. State Farm created an extremely hostile work environment and retaliated against me after I expressed concerns and consternation about the disparaging treatment of minority State Farm employees and minority State Farm policyholders and claimants. Disclosing State Farm’s decades of illegal practices required courage, commitment, and an unwavering determination embedded in justice. I am proud to advocate on behalf of thousands of disenfranchised minority employees, insureds, and claimants.”

Gina Morss-Fischer, a State Farm spokesperson, said the company is pleased the court upheld the dismissal of the race-based claim.

We believe the district court appropriately decided the case and are pleased the appellate court affirmed the dismissal of the race-based termination claim. While disappointed in the partial reversal, we note the appellate court ruled merely that it was premature to determine those aspects of the case, and we believe that those aspects will ultimately be decided in favor of State Farm.

Campbell-Jackson is represented by civil rights attorneys Ben Crump and Robert McLaughlin.

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