Kenyan woman sues US firm for civil rights abuse, discrimination

By BMJ Muriithi, The Standard, Posted : Nov 5, 2011

ATLANTA, Ga_A Kenyan woman is suing a US-based nursing firm for alleged civil rights violations by not allowing black nurses to care for white patients.

Mrs Christine Muchene, a nursing staffing agent, is among four women suing Accord Services, an Atlanta Company that hires nurses and nurse aides to work in private homes.

In the lawsuit, Muchene says the company employs a policy of discrimination in the hiring and placement of its home healthcare employees for the purpose of accommodating the illegal preferences of its clients.

The lawsuit further alleges that Accord "routinely declines to place nurses and nurse aides they describe as ‘too black’, ‘too foreign’ or ‘too old.’"

The four women jointly say the company administrators routinely ask about the race and age of applicants, giving preference to whites.

"We want the world to know that this unfortunate trend is alive here in this day and age," said Muchene.

The lawsuit, which is enjoying considerable media attention in the State of Georgia, alleges that those hired by the company were "subjected to offensive racial comments.

Muchene says whenever she enquired about vacant positions, administrators would openly say: "We can’t send a black person to that house," and "You know this client would not accept a black girl."

But Freddy Allen, an administrator at Accord, denies the allegations in the lawsuit and says his company would defend itself in court.

"I read the allegation and it’s completely false," Allen told journalists in Atlanta. "The allegations are coming from a few disgruntled employees who either resigned or we let go," he added. Allen told The Standard On Saturday that the company had multiple black nurses who have worked for the company for long.

Although the lawsuit calls for damages, Muchene says she is not keen on money. "My goal is to let them know they cannot treat people like this. You can’t discriminate against people, not today," she says.

Other Recent Top Ajabu News
IMPORTANT_Second burial funds drive for late Kenyan pastor postponed to Sunday, Nov. 6
Black Buying Power Nears 1.1 Trillion
Why Kagame should be East Africa’s President
Jubilation as Ugandan church celebrates 10 years and new sanctuary dedication
Minnesota's Somali population continues to grow
2011 elections will determine Liberia's political maturity
Uganda, Malawi, Nigeria & Ghana to loose British aid for anti-gay stance
Somali Diaspora supports incursion
North Korean's in Libya barred from going home
Museveni blasts Libyan leaders over Gadaffi killing
Nairobi bomber targeted Nyayo Stadium
Angry husband punches wife’s admirer in church
Man bumps into his wife at a lodging
2 teens convicted of a 2009 group home murder of a Kenyan
First black Miss Norway visits the United States
More Kenyans in the US to fund raise for hunger
Patriotic Kenyans in Boston raise $15,000 towards hunger relief
Kenyan pleads guilty to grenade attacks
Tanzania’s shilling hits record low
Villain or Hero: Desert lion perishes, leaving West explosive legacy
Kenyan women soldiers at the warfront
Kibaki vows to defend Kenya's territory during Mashujaa day
Unite for hunger funds drive, Dr. Kimatu urges
The unthinkable-A Cain vs Obama match-up
Kenyan troops attack Al-Shabaab inside Somalia
Kenyan 6th grader nominated for young leaders conference in D.C
Uganda charges top ruling party officials with graft