Jul 22, 2025
BALTIMORE CITY, Maryland - Today, we filed a federal civil rights lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Maryland on behalf of Sullivan Causey Jr., a former director at Aerotek, Inc. The complaint alleges that Mr. Causey faced systematic racial discrimination and retaliation during his seventeen-year career with the Maryland-based staffing company, ultimately leading to his wrongful termination in November 2024.
Mr. Causey made history in 2017 when he became one of the first Black field directors in Aerotek's history. Throughout his tenure, he consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and performance, receiving awards and recognition for his contributions to the company's success. In April 2023, his operation was recognized as the Top Growth Operation for 2022, and he received a Significant Impact Award from Aerotek's president.
Beyond his formal responsibilities, Mr. Causey became a leading advocate for diversity and inclusion within the company. He was instrumental in creating Aerotek's first minority community called "Strong Voices," which led to the establishment of Employee Resource Groups, Legacy Leadership Summits, and the current DEI Council and DEI Director position.
The lawsuit alleges that discriminatory treatment intensified one of Aerotek's Regional Vice Presidents ("RVP") became Mr. Causey's supervisor in July 2023. According to the complaint, the RVP made clear his hostility toward Mr. Causey from their first meeting, publicly commenting on his appearance and questioning his professionalism in ways he did not treat White directors. When Mr. Causey complained to company leadership about the RVP's discriminatory conduct, the lawsuit alleges that the RVP retaliated by conducting a pretextual investigation that resulted in Mr. Causey's removal from his position despite his exemplary performance.
The complaint highlights stark differences in how the company treated White directors who engaged in serious misconduct. While Mr. Causey was removed based on undisclosed interviews with five team members, White directors who sent inappropriate sexual images to employees or reported to work intoxicated remained in their positions without consequence.
"No employee should face discrimination and retaliation simply for advocating for equal treatment in the workplace," said Managing Attorney Jordan D. Howlette. "Mr. Causey dedicated nearly two decades of his career to building Aerotek's success and advancing diversity initiatives. This lawsuit seeks justice for the unlawful treatment he endured and accountability for those responsible."
The complaint alleges claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and the Maryland Fair Employment Practices Act. The case is Sullivan Causey, Jr. v. Aerotek, Inc., et al. (Case No. 1:25-cv-02374).