Marietta’s Life University accused of racial discrimination in federal lawsuit

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Life University in Marietta is facing a federal lawsuit for allegedly discriminating against former Black employees.

In a complaint filed last month, the three Black plaintiffs allege that they were “treated in a rude and uncaring manner, forced to do work that was the responsibility of white employees, and blamed for failures they had no control over.”

The lawsuit also alleges that one of the plaintiffs, Monica Franklin-Redden, was “constructively discharged” after the “constant hostile and abusive work environment” impacted her mental health.

Following her leave, Life University allegedly fired the other two plaintiffs, as well as three more Black employees from the Housing and Student Affairs Department.

Read the full lawsuit:

This is not the first time the university has faced lawsuits alleging racial discrimination.

In 2017, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission sued Life University for violating the Civil Rights Act when they allegedly treated two Black employees differently because of their race and fired them when they reported it to Human Resources.

The lawsuit reached a settlement agreement between both sides.

In a statement, Life University said the allegations are attempts to portray a systemic issue, “but instead reflect a litigation strategy advanced by the same attorneys who filed past complaints.”

“Life University remains committed – as it has been and will continue to be – to providing a respectful, inclusive, and professional environment for all members of its community," the statement reads.