Two More MDOS Employees Sue Over Alleged Racial Discrimination

The lawsuit claims Black workers faced unfair treatment and a hostile environment at Michigan's Secretary of State offices.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 10:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A serene, cinematic painting of an empty government office space, with a lone desk and chair in the center bathed in warm, diagonal sunlight and deep shadows, conveying a sense of solitude and unease.The lawsuit alleges a pattern of racial discrimination and retaliation against Black employees at Michigan's Secretary of State offices, raising concerns about the department's workplace culture.Today in Detroit

Two employees of the Michigan Department of State (MDOS) have filed a lawsuit alleging they were subject to discrimination and retaliation at work due to their race. Jaqueline Griffin and Cherylann Sankar, who work at Metro Detroit branch offices, claim they were unfairly demoted and denied promotion opportunities despite being qualified. The lawsuit also alleges that MDOS officials did not take reports of racial discrimination from customers and other employees seriously.

Why it matters

This is the second lawsuit filed against MDOS over allegations of racial discrimination against Black employees. The previous lawsuit, filed in January, remains pending. These cases highlight ongoing concerns about the department's treatment of minority workers and its handling of discrimination complaints, which could have broader implications for the state's election administration.

The details

The lawsuit filed by Griffin and Sankar seeks $10 million in damages for emotional distress and lost wages due to demotions. It states that discrimination and retaliation against African American MDOS employees who complain of unlawful treatment is 'widespread and well-known' in the department, and that officials have failed to take corrective action despite being notified of the issues.

  • The lawsuit was filed on April 17, 2026 in Wayne County Circuit Court.
  • A status conference is scheduled for July 2026.

The players

Jaqueline Griffin

An MDOS employee who filed the lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation.

Cherylann Sankar

An MDOS employee who filed the lawsuit alleging racial discrimination and retaliation.

Leonard Mungo

The attorney representing Griffin and Sankar, as well as four other current and former MDOS employees in a previous lawsuit over similar allegations.

Jocelyn Benson

The Michigan Secretary of State, who is named as a defendant in the lawsuit.

Angela Benander

The Chief Communications Officer for MDOS, who denied the allegations in the lawsuit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Defendants' discrimination and retaliation against its African American employees who complain of unlawful discrimination is widespread and well-known throughout MDOS. Defendants have no effective system in place to track, correct, or prevent said unlawful discriminatory conduct.”

— Lawsuit

“While the plaintiffs have not yet officially served MDOS the lawsuit, we unequivocally refute these false allegations. The secretary and department leadership hold themselves and every employee to the highest legal and ethical standards across the board. We do not tolerate any discrimination, harassment, or retaliation and we are prepared to fight this case in court.”

— Angela Benander, Chief Communications Officer, MDOS

What’s next

A status conference in the case is scheduled for July 2026, where the court will likely set deadlines and a timeline for the litigation to proceed.

The takeaway

This lawsuit is the latest in a series of allegations of racial discrimination against Black employees at Michigan's Secretary of State offices. The department's handling of these claims, as well as the broader implications for election administration in the state, will be closely watched as the case moves forward.