In a recent court filing, Kabree Saunders-Bethea has brought a lawsuit against Farmingdale State College, part of the State University of New York (SUNY) system, alleging discrimination based on her pregnancy and post-partum status. The case, filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York, accuses SUNY Farmingdale of violating Title VI of the Civil Rights Act and the Pregnancy Discrimination Act by denying Saunders-Bethea appropriate maternity leave and accommodations for expressing breast milk at work. Despite being entitled to maternity leave under SUNY’s policy, Saunders-Bethea claims she faced hostility from her supervisors when attempting to use this leave intermittently. Furthermore, she alleges that her requests for telecommuting due to health needs were denied based on outdated gender stereotypes. The complaint also includes allegations under New York State Labor Law for failing to provide a suitable space for lactation breaks. After returning to work full-time following her maternity leave, Saunders-Bethea was terminated 18 days later without explanation.
Source: 125cv06301_Kabree_Saunders_v_Farmingdale_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_New_York..pdf
