(LANSING) - Four Black current and former employees of the Michigan Department of State have filed a lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and a hostile work environment, naming Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, the department, and several staff members as defendants.
The plaintiffs include three current employees -- Mychael Foster, David Murray, and Elvine VanBolden -- and one former employee, Nirva Civilus. The lawsuit claims the department violated Michigan's Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act by fostering discriminatory treatment toward African American workers.
According to the complaint, Civilus faced disciplinary actions including docked pay, denial of a raise, removal of job duties, and false accusations of misusing a state vehicle. The plaintiffs are represented by attorney Leonard Mungo.
The lawsuit comes as Benson campaigns for the Democratic nomination for governor. Neither the Secretary of State's office nor department officials have publicly responded to the allegations.
The case seeks damages and relief under state civil rights law.