A gripping lawsuit has been filed against a major healthcare enterprise, alleging severe racial discrimination and wrongful termination. On July 12, 2024, Timothy Porter lodged a complaint in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Illinois against Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises, Inc.
Timothy Porter, a bi-racial employee who worked for the defendant since 2009, claims he faced systemic racial discrimination throughout his tenure. According to the complaint, Porter was hired into an entry-level position and rose through the ranks to become the System Supply Chain Manager by January 23, 2023. Despite his exemplary performance and multiple promotions, Porter alleges that he was denied a deserved pay raise when he assumed his new role as System Supply Chain Manager. The company delayed implementing his job title change until system-wide wage increases took effect—an act that effectively nullified any financial benefit from his promotion.
Porter further asserts that when he applied for the System Supply Chain Director position in February 2023, he was passed over in favor of a less-qualified White woman who had no experience managing supply chain operations. This decision came despite Porter's qualifications and ongoing efforts to obtain a Bachelor's Degree as required by company policy. His complaint states that the hiring process was manipulated to favor the White candidate by giving her additional interview opportunities.
The situation deteriorated further when Porter sought assistance from Human Resources in August 2023 regarding an insubordinate employee. Although initial meetings resolved the issue, an anonymous report later accused Porter of addressing this employee inappropriately. Shortly thereafter, on August 30, 2023, Porter was informed that he would not be promoted to Director.
On October 26, 2023, the newly appointed Director accused Porter of making an inappropriate comment about another employee's girlfriend—a claim Porter vehemently denies. Despite his denial and lack of prior disciplinary issues, Porter was suspended and later issued a final written warning based on hearsay evidence. By October 30, 2023, Porter's work responsibilities were significantly reduced; he was placed on a six-month performance improvement plan and relegated to working on special projects from a makeshift office in the warehouse.
Porter alleges that these actions were racially motivated and inconsistent with how White employees were treated under similar circumstances. He cites instances where White employees faced minimal or no repercussions for serious misconduct while detailing how his own complaints about racial discrimination went unaddressed by both Human Resources and senior management.
In response to these grievances, Porter is seeking various forms of relief from the court: judgment for lost compensation due to wrongful actions by Southern Illinois Healthcare Enterprises; front pay instead of reinstatement due to hostile work conditions; punitive damages; compensatory damages for emotional distress; attorney’s fees; pre-judgment and post-judgment interest; and other remedies deemed necessary by law.
Representing Timothy Porter is attorney D. Wes Sullenger from Sullenger Law Office PLLC. The case is presided over by judges within the jurisdiction of Case No. 3:24-cv-1706.