JPMorgan Faces Discrimination Lawsuit Over ‘Gay Job’ Allegations
Former JPMorgan employee sues bank over alleged discrimination and retaliation based on sexual orientation.
2 min read
JPMorgan Chase is facing a federal discrimination lawsuit after a former employee alleged that a supervisor told him to keep his ‘gay job’ separate from his regular work, leading to retaliation and his eventual departure from the bank. Brian Larson, a former senior associate at JPMorgan, filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, claiming he was discriminated against and retaliated against due to his sexual orientation.
Alleged Discrimination and Retaliation
Larson joined JPMorgan through its Chase Associate Program in 2021 and later became co-chair of PRIDE Tri-State, a regional chapter of the bank’s LGBTQ+ employee resource group. According to the lawsuit, a supervisor criticized his involvement with the group and told him to keep his ‘gay job’ separate from his regular position. The supervisor allegedly told Larson that ‘DEI wasn’t going to save’ him.
Larson claimed he reported the comments to another supervisor and JPMorgan’s human resources department, after which his treatment at the bank changed. His work allegedly came under increased scrutiny, he was removed from projects, and his performance reviews declined after previously receiving strong evaluations. He also alleged his supervisor refused to recognize his PRIDE leadership work in a performance review despite guidance from the bank’s diversity leadership that such work should receive credit.
Job Search and Bank Response
Larson further claimed he applied for roughly 50 internal positions after completing the rotational program and advanced to the final two candidates approximately 35 to 40 times without receiving an offer. JPMorgan’s human resources department determined in December 2022 that there was ‘no credible evidence’ supporting Larson’s discrimination allegations. Larson claimed the bank later told him in October 2023 that he could resign or be fired.
JPMorgan denied Larson’s allegations and stated his departure was related to his performance. Larson is seeking compensatory and punitive damages for alleged lost earnings, benefits, and emotional distress, as well as attorneys’ fees and other financial relief. The lawsuit also highlights JPMorgan’s ongoing litigation over its treatment of customers, including allegations involving political debanking.
Source: Daily Caller
