Former DEI chief sues city of Philadelphia for discrimination, harassment

The former chief Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Officer for Philadelphia is suing the city for discrimination and harassment. Brandee Anderson accuses the Parker administration of engaging in a "sustained effort" to suppress D-E-I activity, including directives to “stand down.” Anderson claims in the lawsuit that Mayor Cherelle Parker told her that she did not care about Anderson's "DEI ideology," and instead only cared about minority business. Anderson says she was fired after reporting an instance of sexual harassment involving her supervisor, then-Deputy Chief of Staff Chris Dailey. Her termination letter says she was fired due to her “recent conduct, judgment lapses, and confirmed violations of the City’s Sexual Harassment Policy.” The lawsuit notes that Anderson, who is a Black woman, was terminated, while Dailey, a white man, was "transferred laterally" with no loss of compensation. Anderson says after her firing, members of the Parker administration disparaged her in interviews with the Inquirer and radio station WDAS. The Parker administration has declined to comment on the lawsuit. (Photo: Alexander Sikov/Getty Images)