A federal judge in Missouri sided with Anthem on March 30 after an employee sued the payer for alleged harassment, retaliation and discrimination based on her race, age and disability.
Plaintiff Darlene Jamerison is a 57-year-old Black woman who has worked for Indianapolis-based Anthem for 36 years, most recently as an underwriter assistant in the St. Louis office. She filed the lawsuit after attempting to receive several promotions starting in 2018.
After Ms. Jamerison was not promoted, she sued for discrimination, retaliation and a hostile work environment under her direct supervisor.
The Missouri judge ruled Ms. Jamerison did not even apply to some of the contested positions, she was not qualified for the positions she did apply for, and her race did not affect employment decisions.
The judge concluded by writing, "Even when viewing the evidence and inferences in the light most favorable to Plaintiff, the Court finds no genuine issues of material fact exist regarding her claim for race discrimination, retaliation and hostile work environment."