BELLEVILLE - An employee of a dental clinic claims she was racially and sexually discriminated against prior to being terminated.
La'Tishia Bentley filed suit Nov. 22 in St. Clair County Circuit Court against dentist Yun Sup Kim and Emerald Terrace Dental in Swansea.
Bentley is accusing the defendants of racial and sexual discrimination, and retaliation, in violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act. Yun Sup Kim told the Record the claims were "ridiculous" but would not comment further before talking to his attorney,
According to the complaint, Bentley became employed as a dental assistant on April 9, 2019. Her employment was terminated on June 11, 2019.
It is alleged that on April 30, 2019, Plaintiff became dizzy while at work and that the defendant, Yun Sup Kim, "insisted on taking Plaintiff to CVS to get her blood pressure medication."
"Defendant Yun Srip Kim, D.D.S. pulled his vehicle to the front of the building and told Plaintiff: 'Hey Bentley, you have to sit in the back where the rest of the blacks sit'," it is alleged.
The complaint further alleges that "on multiple occasions during her employment" the defendant made remarks that "were extremely offensive to African Americans."
Bentley also claims the defendant on one occasion offered to buy her a house if she agreed to "expletive once a week," which appalled the plaintiff. Three days later, it is alleged that the defendant repeatedly called the plaintiff to ask her why she did not take up the offer.
The dental practice and the individual are accused of creating a hostile work environment, racial and sexual discrimination, and retaliation.
Bentley is represented by John Leskera of the Leskera Law Firm in Collinsville
St. Clair County Circuit Court case number 2019-L-0819.