EDWARDSVILLE - A Starbucks employee claims she suffered racial, sexual and disability discrimination during her employment.
Aiehsa Rooks filed a lawsuit on Dec. 21 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Starbucks Coffee Company, alleging race discrimination, sex discrimination and disability/medical condition discrimination.
According to the lawsuit, Rooks was employed by Starbucks from September 2017 until Nov. 24, 2018. During the time of her employment, Rooks claims the participated in racial sensitivity training when her store manager told her to "not play victim to her environment." In other instances, Rooks claims another employee would use racial slang towards the plaintiff. Rooks also claims he was not provided the same training as male co-workers.
Additionally, Rooks was diagnosed with a medical condition before the start of her employment and claims she suffered discrimination because of it.
Rooks claims she was caused to suffer emotional pain, suffering, humiliation, fear, anxiety, dread, inconveniences, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment of list.
Rooks seeks an amount in excess of $50,000 for each of the three claims, totaling $150,000, in addition to attorney fees and cost of suit. Rooks is represented by Leah A. Captain of Cook Bartholomew Shevlin Cook & Jones LLP in Belleville.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 21-L-001549