EEOC Sues TidalHealth over Alleged Sex Discrimination

CRISFIELD, Md. – The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against TidalHealth, alleging the health conglomerate violated federal non-discrimination laws.

According to the EEOC’s lawsuit, TidalHealth suspended and then terminated a longtime female employee and van driver for a van lift incident mere months after a male van driver was involved in a nearly identical van lift incident. Court filings indicate the male employee was not disciplined or terminated.

“While employers are free to maintain performance and disciplinary standards, applying them in a sex-discriminatory manner violates federal law,” said Debra Lawrence, regional attorney for the EEOC’s Philadelphia District. “The employer’s decision to fire a woman for conduct that did not result in any discipline of a similarly situated man reflects unequal treatment, which is unlawful.”

The EEOC says they filed suit in U.S. District Court for the District of Maryland Northern Division after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.

In a statement to  WMDT, TidalHealth reacted to the lawsuit, saying the following:

“TidalHealth is aware of the lawsuit recently filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. TidalHealth strongly disagrees with the allegations and intends to vigorously defend itself through the appropriate legal process. Because this matter is pending litigation, it would be inappropriate to comment on specific allegations or personnel matters. TidalHealth is committed to maintaining a workplace that is respectful, inclusive and free from discrimination and retaliation. We take our obligations under federal and state employment laws seriously and have policies and procedures in place to support those commitments. We will respond to the allegations through the court process and have no further comment at this time.”