Former Department Head Accuses Board Member of Racial Discrimination and Hostile Work Environment
A racial discrimination lawsuit filed against the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) by a former department head is set to move forward, according to the attorney representing the plaintiff. The case, which was brought to U.S. District Court in Las Vegas in September, alleges that board member Brittnie Watkins discriminated against Jaime Black, who served as head of the Administration Division since June 2017.
In a response filed on Thursday, Reno attorney Mark Mausert pushed back against the NGCB’s request to dismiss the case, asserting that there is enough evidence to substantiate the claims of racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. Mausert argued that the allegations, if proven, would constitute a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.
The Allegations: Discrimination and Hostile Work Environment
The lawsuit centers on claims made by Jaime Black, who alleges that Brittnie Watkins created an environment of discrimination during her time at the Nevada Gaming Control Board. According to the complaint, Watkins’s actions were discriminatory and resulted in a hostile work environment, which Black claims hindered her ability to perform her job effectively.
The 24-page legal response filed by Mausert states that the allegations provide a sufficient factual and legal basis to pursue the case. Black’s legal team argues that the board member’s behavior was not only discriminatory but also contributed to a toxic workplace culture that violated her rights under federal law.
While the NGCB has denied the accusations, the case is gaining attention due to the seriousness of the claims and the implications it may have for the state’s gaming regulatory body, which oversees the legal gaming industry in Nevada.
Title VII and Its Implications for the Case
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a landmark federal law that prohibits discrimination in the workplace. Under Title VII, employees are protected from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. In this case, Black’s attorneys argue that her treatment at the hands of Watkins was discriminatory and created a hostile environment, both of which are violations under the law.
If the case proceeds, it could have significant legal implications, not only for the Nevada Gaming Control Board but also for employers in general. Discrimination lawsuits under Title VII are serious matters, and the outcome of this case could set a precedent for future claims related to workplace discrimination and hostile work environments.
Legal Back-and-Forth and What’s Next
The next steps in the case will depend on how the U.S. District Court responds to the motion. The Nevada Gaming Control Board’s attorneys had initially sought to have the case dismissed, arguing that the claims were unfounded. However, Mausert’s filing effectively counters that argument, asserting that there is ample evidence to proceed with the case.
At this stage, it’s unclear whether the court will allow the case to go forward in full or if there will be any pre-trial motions to dismiss certain aspects of the claims. The legal team representing the NGCB is likely to continue challenging the lawsuit’s validity, while Black’s attorneys will push for a full trial.
For now, the focus is on whether the evidence presented in the lawsuit will be enough to support the accusations of racial discrimination and hostile work environment. If the case continues, it could shine a spotlight on workplace issues within the state’s gaming industry, an area where regulation and employee relations are closely scrutinized.
