Black student says supervisor made racist joke about her hair — then university told her to get therapy

Black student says supervisor made racist joke about her hair — then university told her to get therapy In her Los Angeles Superior Court action, plaintiff Jonnae Serrano states her supervisor used terms such as "you people," "your people" and "folks like you" - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments Become an Independent member to bookmark this article Already a member? Log in A Black former student and resident assistant at Loyola Marymount University who alleges her supervisor made racially inappropriate comments can pursue punitive damages in her lawsuit against the university, a judge has ruled. In her Los Angeles Superior Court action, plaintiff Jonnae Serrano states her supervisor used terms such as "you people," "your people" and "folks like you." Serrano further asserts that university officials told her to seek therapy when she reported the conduct. On Friday, Judge Virginia Keeny allowed Serrano to amend her complaint to seek punitive damages against the school. "In the instant matter, plaintiff presents evidence LMU knew plaintiff was placed on a mandatory psychiatric hold as well as feared retaliation from her harasser and nonetheless still required her to report to and obtain approvals from (her supervisor)," the judge wrote. Serrano's lawyers argued LMU is liable for punitive damages due to its failure to protect her from "ongoing harassment, retaliation and emotional harm." They noted LMU delayed action by waiting over a month before referring the matter to its Equal Employment Opportunity officer, as university policy requires. Her legal team also alleged the school tried to handle the matter through a memorandum of understanding to circumvent policy, delaying findings for months. F Furthermore, LMU permitted the supervisor to continue overseeing Serrano after learning of her complaint, after receiving notice of retaliation, and after ongoing mistreatment resulted in her hospitalization. LMU lawyers countered that the lawsuit lacks triable issues. "Loyola Marymount University timely investigated and resolved complaints brought by plaintiff Jonnae Serrano against her supervisor," university attorneys stated. "Now, long after she has completed her studies at LMU, plaintiff attempts to mutate her past complaints into broadly sweeping whistleblower and discrimination claims based on unsupported allegations that LMU failed to prevent and resolve such complaints." The school's filings added that Serrano could not provide a factual basis for many claims during her deposition. Serrano enrolled in 2021 and served as a resident assistant at LMU's Palm South Residences. Her November 2024 lawsuit alleges her supervisor made comments including "you people," "your people," "folks like you," "black folks" and "Black Friday," while calling himself an "old white man." Serrano, 25, alleges that after a key caught in her hair, the boss stated Black people's curls were "meant to hold keys and secrets." He also mocked her room's cleanliness and said, "as a Black woman you may think you have to go above and beyond, but you don't have to," while administrators repeatedly suggested therapy for managing interpersonal relationships. Trial is scheduled for April 19, 2027. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments