Discrimination Lawsuit Against Nevada Gaming Control Board Moving Forward

Article by : Erik Gibbs Nov 14, 2024

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A discrimination lawsuit filed against the Nevada Gaming Control Board (NGCB) is set to proceed, following a legal motion submitted to counter the board’s attempt to dismiss the case. The year does not seem to be ending well for this agency, which will now have to defend itself in legal proceedings. 

Jaime Black, a former head of the NGCB’s Administration Division, brought forward claims of racial discrimination and a hostile work environment, naming NGCB board member Brittnie Watkins as a key figure in the alleged mistreatment. Black’s attorney, Mark Mausert, recently submitted a 24-page response to the board’s motion to dismiss, asserting that sufficient evidence exists to support the claims against the board under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.

According to the lawsuit, Black, who has been with the Control Board since 2014 and led the Administration Division since 2017, alleges Watkins pressured her to make racially biased decisions during the hiring process. The complaint further asserts that when Black resisted these directives, Watkins retaliated by fostering a hostile work environment. Black’s legal team argues that these actions constitute violations of federal protections against workplace discrimination.

The response from Black’s attorney emphasizes that the allegations should be assessed comprehensively, considering the full context of the reported incidents. Mausert argued that the complaint outlines a “plausible fact pattern” that aligns with protections under Title VII, which prohibits employment discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. Mausert’s motion suggests that the board’s actions—if proven—may have breached these federal protections, which apply to public agencies like the NGCB.

The Nevada Attorney General’s Office, which is representing the Control Board, previously filed a motion to dismiss the case on October 24, arguing that the allegations were insufficient to proceed. The board, however, has refrained from commenting on the specifics of the case, leaving the arguments and evidence to play out in court.

Judge Miranda Du of the US District Court in Las Vegas will preside over the proceedings. This case highlights ongoing discussions about workplace discrimination in public institutions, particularly those with significant regulatory power like the NGCB. The outcome of this lawsuit could set important precedents for employment policies within Nevada’s regulatory agencies and underscore the accountability of leadership in maintaining a fair and unbiased work environment. Black’s case may also bring more scrutiny to the NGCB’s internal culture and its handling of diversity and inclusion issues.

For now, both sides will continue to present their arguments as the court considers the evidence. The hearing process, expected to progress over the coming months, will ultimately determine whether Black’s allegations hold sufficient weight under Title VII to warrant further legal action against the NGCB.