Michigan senior center accused of accommodating patient demands for white-only caregivers
Six certified nursing assistants are suing a previous employer, accusing the facility of agreeing to patient requests for white-only caregivers.
The lawsuit, filed April 11, claims Providence Healthcare of Rehabilitation Center in Zeeland, Michigan, engages in racial discrimination, racial harassment and retaliation. The six black CNAs are seeking compensation for mental anguish, distress and damage of their professional reputations.
“It’s embarrassing and humiliating, and it shouldn’t be tolerated,” said Julie Gafkay, an attorney for the women, to the Associated Press.
According to the lawsuit, patients claimed they didn’t way black caregivers. Providence would try to accommodate such requests, even allegedly including notes in a patient’s care plan.
The employees originally made a formal complaint in January, but they claim working conditions only deteriorated after that.
Nicholas joined TriMed in 2016 as the managing editor of the Chicago office. After receiving his master’s from Roosevelt University, he worked in various writing/editing roles for magazines ranging in topic from billiards to metallurgy. Currently on Chicago’s north side, Nicholas keeps busy by running, reading and talking to his two cats.