Lesbian Jewish Clinician Wins Discrimination Lawsuit Against Employers

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A New York federal district court has denied the motion to dismiss discrimination, hostile work environment, and retaliation claims brought by a female, Jewish, lesbian clinician against her former employers, Hebrew Academy for Special Children and Therapeutic Services, Inc. The clinician alleged she faced years of harassment from her supervisor, with whom she had a prior intimate relationship, leading to her constructive discharge.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing challenges LGBTQ+ and minority employees can face in the workplace, even in progressive urban areas like New York City. The court's decision to allow the clinician's claims to proceed suggests a growing willingness to hold employers accountable for creating hostile work environments based on protected characteristics like religion, gender, and sexual orientation.

The details

The clinician, who is Jewish and lesbian, alleged that her supervisor at Therapeutic Services subjected her to a hostile work environment for years, including making derogatory comments about her religion and sexual orientation. Despite reporting the harassment, the clinician claims the company failed to take appropriate action, leading her to eventually resign in what she alleges was a constructive discharge.

• The clinician was employed by Therapeutic Services from 2018 to 2025.
• The alleged harassment occurred over the course of several years, from 2018 to 2025.
• The clinician filed her lawsuit against the companies in January 2026.

What’s next

The case will now proceed to the discovery phase, where the clinician will have the opportunity to present evidence supporting her claims of discrimination, hostile work environment, and constructive discharge.