The Broad Museum in Los Angeles finds itself embroiled in two significant legal disputes initiated by former staff members, who raise serious allegations of discrimination and retaliatory practices within the institution.
These lawsuits, which were filed within days of each other, have shed light on the complexities of the museum’s workplace atmosphere.
Allegations of Retaliation and Discrimination
The first complaint comes from Darron Rezell Walker, who previously served as the museum’s director of human resources.
Walker claims he was terminated after refusing to dismiss facilities manager Rick Mitchell without valid justification.
He alleges that such pressure stemmed from Alysa Gerlach, the former COO, fueled by personal prejudices linked to Mitchell’s race and age.
This conflict began when Mitchell requested a review of safety measures for his team of 37 employees.
In turn, Mitchell has filed his own lawsuit, asserting that his termination was a direct result of racial and age discrimination hatched by Gerlach.
He argues that an internal investigation conducted by Walker, which Mitchell requested to clarify his position, found no wrongdoing on his part.
Furthermore, Mitchell accuses Gerlach of fabricating reasons for his firing and claims that disparaging remarks about his performance were both baseless and damaging.
Claims and Responses
Mitchell emphasizes his dedication to the Broad since its inception in 2015, recounting his journey from an engineer to a manager.
He pointed out that his performance reviews had consistently been positive from 2018 onward.
Additionally, he depicted Gerlach as dismissive, recalling instances when she derogatorily referred to him as an “old white man” and sought to revamp his department with younger employees.
Despite the weight of these allegations, the Broad Museum stands resolute, characterizing the claims as unfounded and asserting its commitment to following proper protocols.
The museum is ready to defend its position in court.
Notably, records indicate that Gerlach departed her role in September.
Commitment to a Fair Workplace
Proponents of the museum expressed their belief in the lack of merit behind these accusations, reiterating their dedication to fostering a fair and positive environment for all employees.
As this complex situation continues to evolve, the museum remains focused on inspiring and connecting communities through the power of art.