In a significant legal development, an African American employee has accused a prominent medical center of racial discrimination and creating a hostile work environment. On November 19, 2025, Kaleb DeWayne Haynes filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Middle District of Louisiana against Baton Rouge General Medical Center. The lawsuit alleges violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and 42 U.S.C. § 1981, among other claims.
The case revolves around Haynes’ tenure at Baton Rouge General, where he was employed as a Patient Services Manager starting in April 2024. Initially reporting to Jeron McMorris, Haynes received positive evaluations for his leadership and innovation. However, after a change in reporting structure in November 2024, Haynes began reporting to Emily Guidoz. According to the complaint, Guidoz’s behavior towards Haynes was marked by exclusion from key decisions and undermining his authority. “Plaintiff’s work environment shifted dramatically,” states the complaint, highlighting actions such as unauthorized staff shadowing that disrupted operations and created discomfort among team members.
Haynes contends that these actions were racially motivated, pointing out that similarly situated white female managers were not subjected to similar treatment. The complaint details how Haynes was abruptly terminated on December 9, 2024, just days after raising concerns about discriminatory treatment with Vice President Sean Casteel. The lawsuit argues that this timing demonstrates a causal connection between his complaints and termination.
The legal filing accuses Baton Rouge General of failing to follow its own policies regarding progressive discipline and corrective action before termination. It further alleges that Haynes’ replacement by a less qualified Caucasian female underscores racial bias within the organization.
Haynes is seeking several forms of relief from the court including back pay, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional distress and punitive damages for willful disregard of his rights under federal law. The complaint also demands an award covering attorney fees and costs associated with the litigation.
Represented by attorney Christopher Minias from The Minias Law Firm based in New Orleans, LA., Haynes is demanding a jury trial to resolve these allegations against Baton Rouge General Medical Center (Case ID: 3:25-cv-01049-JWD-EWD). This case highlights ongoing issues related to workplace discrimination and seeks accountability through judicial intervention.
Source: 325cv1049_Kaleb_Dewayne_v_Baton_Rouge_Complaint_Middle_District_of_Louisiana.pdf
