Allegations of Racial Discrimination Against GOP Chairman

John Padgett, head of the Georgia Republican Party, is facing allegations that he engaged in racial discrimination against an employee of one of his privately owned firms. Vanessa Dewberry, a former manager of Southeast Ambulance Inc., run by Padgett’s firm, filed a federal lawsuit against the politician in Atlanta.

Dewberry had a meeting last February with Padgett, who referred to an African American employee as a “black tech that’s supposed to know better.” Dewberry took offense to that statement and described Padgett’s tone as demeaning.

Padgett is also accused of gender discrimination. He participated in the ridiculing and teasing of a staff member whose gender was questioned. Padgett allegedly referred to the employee as “the one who looks like a boy.” Another employee also called the fellow worker, “it.” This also is captured on the recording from Dewberry. Dewberry claims she immediately voiced her discomfort about the comments and complained to Padgett openly about the inappropriateness of his words.

Not too long after, Dewberry was terminated from her position for “financial reasons.” Dewberry made it clear she was going to take action against Padgett, to which he responded that he had powerful friends.

Dewberry’s complaint names Padgett directly as well as the ambulance company she had been employed with during the racial incidents.

Source: AJC.com