Officials at Western State Hospital allegedly violated the civil rights of nine former employees by accommodating a patient who requested white caretakers. The incident began when a white security officer incited fear in a mentally disturbed patient. According to court documents, the unnamed security
told the patient that Africans practiced cannibalism on whites. An internal complaint was lodged against the employee, but hospital officials took measures to match the patient up with only Caucasian or fair skinned staff members. The former employees claim that the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services was aware of the situation, however, no action was taken.
A staff member in charge of scheduling and assigning Western State Hospital employees requested that a supervisor honor the patient’s request. After several complaints were filed, the employees say that they were retaliated against by members of upper management. The attorney representing the former employees, Joe Schaeffer, says that his clients were systematically bullied, humiliated and unfairly disciplined until they either resigned or were fired. The plaintiffs are seeking lost wages, punitive damages and compensation for emotional distress.
Mental health experts say that racial discrimination is not uncommon in health care facilities. Working with mentally ill patients can be very stressful, but if the allegations against Western State Hospital and the Washington state Department of Social and Health Services are proven in court, the defendants could end up paying a multi-million dollar settlement to the nine plaintiffs. No statement addressing the allegations has been issued by the Western State Hospital.
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