Suns' Former DE&I Manager Files Complaint Alleges Wrongful Termination and Racism
In a developing story that raises questions about workplace equity and organizational culture, former Phoenix Suns employee Andrea Trischan has filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona Attorney General's Office's Civil Rights Division. Trischan, who served as the Suns' program manager for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) from September 2022 to July 2023, is alleging wrongful termination and seeking $60 million in damages.
The Complaint
According to Trischan, her tenure with the Suns was marred by a hostile work environment, punctuated by overt racist comments that were not addressed despite being reported to both human resources (HR) and executive leadership. Trischan's attorney, Sheree Wright, asserts that her client endured severe misconduct that ultimately led to her unwarranted dismissal. “...[Trischan] endured overt racist comments and a hostile work environment that went unaddressed despite being reported to HR and executive leadership,” said Wright.
Trischan claims that her concerns about the organization’s decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a newly established diversity council were brushed aside. These concerns were communicated to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns. In late May 2023, Trischan was placed on a performance improvement plan, a step that led to her firing in July 2023.
The Suns' Response
The Phoenix Suns have categorically denied any wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, the senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, lambasted Trischan's allegations, calling them baseless. “A former employee who last worked for the organization in 2023 was terminated after less than 10 months due to repeated failure to perform her job duties,” said Mitch. She further criticized Trischan's demand for $60 million, describing it as a "ridiculous demand." Mitch also accused Trischan of leveraging old reports about previous ownership to bolster her claims. "This individual filed a baseless charge with a state agency and is now trying to use ESPN reporting from 2022, specific to previous ownership, to make egregious claims in order to support her ridiculous demand," she added.
The Suns are confident that the ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD) will vindicate their stance. “The Suns continue to participate in the [Arizona Civil Rights Division] review in good faith. We are confident that after the ACRD completes its review of Ms. Trischan's charge, the ACRD will confirm that Ms. Trischan's claims are factually and legally baseless,” commented a Suns spokesperson.
Controversial Past
The backdrop to this developing story is the contentious history involving the Suns' former owner, Robert Sarver. The NBA suspended Sarver following substantiated reports of inappropriate workplace conduct. This period saw the resignation of former team president and CEO Jason Rowley in February 2023, around the same time Mat Ishbia’s purchase of the team was finalized. These events appear to be the broader context within which Trischan's allegations have surfaced.
DE&I Council Controversy
A significant point of contention in Trischan’s complaint centers around her criticism of a newly established diversity council, which she believes included several executives who had faced misconduct allegations. The Suns, however, counter this claim. According to a spokesperson for the team, "Ms. Trischan's claims regarding the diversity council are misleading. The purpose of the diversity council, which is comprised of the entire executive team and other leaders in the organization, is to listen to the diversity data and information on DE&I initiatives to continue to further the organization's DE&I commitment."
Moving Forward
As this case progresses, it underscores the complexities and challenges inherent in fostering a genuinely inclusive and equitable organizational culture. Both the Suns and Trischan are now set on a collision course through legal avenues, with the organization's denial set against Trischan's serious allegations of racial hostility and wrongful termination. The outcome of this case will undoubtedly have ripple effects not only within the Suns’ organization but potentially across other teams and industries grappling with similar issues.
The review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division will be crucial in determining the veracity of Trischan's claims and the legitimacy of the Suns' counterclaims of her job performance shortcomings. Both parties await a resolution that could set a significant precedent in the ongoing efforts to create safer and more equitable workplaces.