Categories: Breaking NewsCrimeNewsPolitics

Former HAF Employee Sues Agency for Discrimination

The Housing Authority is facing a lawsuit for discrimination and failure to promote.

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News Summary

Monica White, a former employee of the Housing Authority of Florence, has filed a federal lawsuit alleging sex discrimination and failure to promote. The lawsuit claims that she was more qualified than the selected candidates for the Executive Director position. White seeks damages for lost earnings and emotional distress. Moreover, the Housing Authority is facing additional financial issues, including unpaid bills and halted construction projects, complicating its operational efficiency.

Florence, Alabama – Former Housing Authority Employee Monica White Files Lawsuit Against Agency for Discrimination and Conspiracy

Monica White, a former employee of the Housing Authority of Florence (HAF), has filed a federal lawsuit alleging sex discrimination, failure to promote, and civil conspiracy. The lawsuit, initiated in May 2023, accuses the HAF’s board of commissioners of engaging in discriminatory practices against her during their selection process for the Executive Director position.

White’s legal team, comprising attorneys Jack E. Cohoon and Lydia Robins Hendrix, contends that White was a more qualified candidate compared to Belinda Timmons and Dr. Al Bradley, who also applied for the same position. The lawsuit claims that the commissioners conducted improperly noticed executive sessions, where they secretly chose a candidate they considered more objectively qualified, bypassing White in the process.

White asserts that she suffered significant damages as a result of the HAF’s actions. The lawsuit details these repercussions, which include lost earnings and benefits, damage to her reputation, humiliation, emotional distress, and costs incurred from the legal proceedings. In her claim, White is seeking actual damages, including monetary compensation for these lost earnings, pre-judgment interest, compensatory and consequential damages concerning the detriment to her career, and reasonable attorney’s fees.

As of now, officials at HAF have not commented on the allegations in the lawsuit, stating they would provide a response once they have reviewed its contents.

HAF’s Financial Troubles and Project Hold-ups

In addition to the lawsuit filed by White, HAF is currently facing separate issues, including a threatened lawsuit from Gibraltar Construction Co. Inc. The construction company is demanding nearly $2 million in unpaid bills linked to a total of $12.2 million worth of infrastructure work. As a result of funding problems, essential construction projects aimed at addressing serious sewer and water issues at HAF complexes have been put on hold.

HAF officials acknowledge that they indeed owe money to Gibraltar and are in the process of sorting through financial documents to determine the precise amount owed and assess their capacity to make payments. Due to delayed payments, Gibraltar has halted work on important upgrade projects at the Church Hill and Dizzy Gillespie properties, leaving critical infrastructure issues unresolved.

Previous Incidents and Criticism Surrounding HAF

The Housing Authority of Florence has been under scrutiny in the past, facing criticism and allegations of misconduct. Notably, the agency’s former executive director was fired due to allegations of financial misuse. Currently, HAF’s operations are further complicated by Commissioner Thomas Porter calling for an investigation into current Executive Director Dr. Alphonso Bradley. This call follows a car accident incident involving the HAF’s counsel, where an empty alcohol bottle was found in the vehicle.

This incident has raised concerns over procedural mismanagement in handling the car accident and subsequent internal investigations, which have resulted in employee suspensions and firings. As HAF grapples with a multitude of allegations, lawsuits, and a lack of clear financial oversight, the organization is in a vulnerable position, negatively impacting its operational efficiency.

In summary, the Housing Authority of Florence is currently facing a turbulent situation marked by serious allegations of discrimination, financial mismanagement, and halted projects due to unpaid debts. With ongoing legal issues and scrutiny from various quarters, the agency’s future remains in question.