The D-Cake and The Dark Side of HR: When the Protectors Become the Perpetrators
How a Discriminatory 'Gift' Led to a Half-Million Dollar Lawsuit and What It Means
When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.
Gather around justice warriors because we've got a tale that's going to make your skin crawl. You know how we're always talking about the importance of standing up against injustice, especially when it comes to the workplace? Well, here's a story that's so outrageous, it's almost hard to believe it's real. But trust us, it is, and it's a cautionary tale for anyone who thinks HR is always on your side.
Steven Urenda received a pink box containing a large black chocolate penis and scrotum along with bold letters reading, “EAT A D–K.”Anderson Strategic Communications
Steven Urenda, a former janitorial operations manager at Dasher Lights LLC and Aspen Ridge Property Services in Oregon, thought he was just doing his job. That is until he received a "gift" from his HR manager, Jessica Carlin, that would turn his life upside down. A penis-shaped chocolate cake, complete with the message "EAT A D–K," was delivered to his home, shocking not just him but also his partner and their biracial child.
Now, let's pause for a moment and talk about the elephant in the room: the racial undertones of this so-called "gift." Urenda, who is Hispanic, was understandably disgusted by the racial implications of receiving a large black chocolate penis. It's not just inappropriate; it's downright offensive and discriminatory. And let's not forget, his young child saw it too. Talk about a traumatic experience!
You'd think that HR would be the place to go when you're dealing with harassment, but in this case, HR was the source of the harassment. Jessica Carlin, the HR manager, not only sent the package but had also made derogatory remarks about Urenda to the company's management. And get this, she even admitted to it!
When Urenda took the issue to the company owner, Matthew McCasline, he got the impression that McCasline wanted to "sweep the issue under the rug." No proper investigation, no disciplinary action against Jessica Carlin, just an apology note and a $50 gift card. Seriously? Is that the price of dignity these days?
Urenda is now seeking over $500,000 in damages, and we say, more power to him. His lead attorney, Daniel Le Roux, stated that the case aims to hold Oregon companies accountable for such "outrageous behavior." And it's about time someone did. This case is not just about one man's humiliation; it's about setting a precedent that makes it clear that such behavior will not be tolerated.
What Can We Do?
1. Know Your Rights: Educate yourself and your loved ones about workplace rights and what constitutes harassment and discrimination.
2. Speak Up: If you or someone you know is facing harassment, speak up. Silence only perpetuates the cycle.
3. Seek Legal Advice: Sometimes, the system fails, and when it does, legal recourse may be the only way to get justice.
4. Support and Advocate: Stand by those who are brave enough to come forward. Their fight for justice is a fight for all of us.
This case is a wake-up call for all of us. It's a reminder that injustice can happen anywhere, even in places that are supposed to protect us. But it's also a call to action. We, the Justice Moms, have the power to make a difference. Let's use it to ensure that no one has to go through what Steven Urenda did.
So, the next time you think HR is your friend, remember this story and think again. And let's work together to create workplaces that are truly safe and inclusive for everyone.
