The Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey (CCGNJ), a nonprofit that provides resources and education related to problem gambling, has filed a motion to dismiss a racial discrimination lawsuit brought against them by a former employee.
As one of the leading organizations providing confidential hotlines and a raft of other tools for those affected by disordered gambling addiction, the Council strives to paint a picture of a trustworthy source of support. However, the claims brought against the Hamilton Township-based gambling nonprofit have cast a shadow over its inclusive practices and commitment to equality.
Neva Pryor, an African American woman who previously served as an executive director of the CCGNJ, filed a lawsuit against the organization in April 2022.
Pryor boasts extensive experience in mental health and addiction counseling, especially related to disordered gambling. She served as CCGNJ’s executive director for over 15 years prior to her contentious departure.
In her complaint, Pryor alleges that the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey declined to renew her employment contract in retaliation for submitting an internal racial discrimination complaint against their president, Fred Hogan.
The attorneys representing CCGNJ have submitted a request to the court seeking the dismissal of the lawsuit. They argue that Mrs. Pryor did not experience any negative consequences in her employment as a result of the alleged discriminatory treatment.
CCGNJ is a private-run gambling nonprofit that offers referral, education, and information services for problem gamblers and their loved ones. Part of the organization’s funding comes from fees assessed on off-track wagering licenses, including operators of top online casinos and sports betting in New Jersey.
The court has yet to make any ruling on either case. The news comes just weeks after the federal anti-discrimination watchdog, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), said it would move ahead on its case against electric carmaker TESLA for racial bias, according to Reuters.
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Lawsuit Background: Allegations of Discriminatory Treatment
Pryor sued the Council on Compulsive Gambling of New Jersey, Inc. last April after the organization declined to renew her contract. Through her attorneys, the former executive director alleged the refusal to renew her contract came in retaliation for filing a discriminatory treatment complaint against Fred Hogan, a white male and the current President of CCGNJ.
Before becoming the president of the 800-GAMBLER operator, Hogan served on the board since 1999. He built a 40-year career focused on criminal justice reform.
He worked as an investigator for the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender (NJOPD) in the 1980s. Notably, Hogan uncovered evidence that helped overturn the murder conviction of boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter in 1985 after the famous fighter had spent almost 20 years wrongly imprisoned.
However, in her lawsuit, Neva alleges that President Fred W. Hogan started talking to her in an impolite and patronizing tone shortly after assuming the presidency of the organization in late 2016. She further claims this disrespectful treatment was not shown to her white colleagues and employees.
The lawsuit cites a specific incident at the Council’s December 2018 holiday party where Hogan made a dismissive comment to Pryor as she politely excused herself. During the pensive moment, Hogan allegedly told Pryor, “Don’t let me get Black with you,” as she politely tried to excuse herself from him.
The ex-director said she reported the “racist comment” to the Human Resource department but said CCGNJ failed to investigate or act on the allegations.
Afterward, Pryor asserts Hogan intensified discriminatory behavior including micromanagement, overreach into operations, and forbidding communication with the board. His conduct made it difficult for her to effectively perform her duties.
In February 2021, Neva submitted a racial discrimination complaint to the Council’s board vice president, after which Hogan became even more hostile towards her. That’s about the time top NJ sports betting platforms recorded rising gaming revenues.
Just five months later, the CCGNJ declined to renew Pryor’s contract and subsequently terminated her leadership role on the board. She believes this was retaliation for speaking up about Hogan’s misconduct and asserts this decision was made in response to her protected internal complaints, not due to any performance issues.
As an experienced leader in the fields of mental health and addiction treatment, particularly regarding problem gambling, Pryor argues she was fully qualified for her role. However, she believes her race exposed her to unfair treatment, retaliation, and humiliation.
Meanwhile, the Teamsters International Union, a labor group in North America, recently reached a settlement after its president was accused of publicly humiliating a group of black and Hispanic employees before terminating their employment. The Washington D.C.-based labor union with over 1.3 million members will pay $2.9 million, according to an email seen by the Guardian.
CCGNJ Seeks Dismissal of Lawsuit
In a recent motion, lawyers representing the CCGNJ have requested the judge dismiss Pryor’s racial discrimination lawsuit. In their filing, they argue that even if Hogan did make a single race-based comment to Pryor in 2018, as alleged, this isolated incident would not constitute severe or pervasive behavior enough to create a hostile work environment.
The CCGNJ’s legal team claims Pryor did not experience any adverse employment actions. They assert that her termination was unrelated to any protected complaints.
Instead, CCGNJ insists legitimate business concerns about leadership deficiencies prompted their actions. The organization says Pryor struggled with performance issues over the years, claims they document internally.
By shifting blame for her firing solely onto discrimination absent concrete proof, CCGNJ argues Pryor cannot sustain the lawsuit’s burdens. They hope to defeat her claims in summary judgment.
If the judge accepts these arguments, it could end the case against the nonprofit without the allegations being fully tested and addressed in court. A ruling on the dismissal request is expected within the coming weeks.
Wrapping Up
The racial discrimination lawsuit filed against the CCGNJ raises important questions about diversity, equity, and inclusion practices within the problem gambling nonprofit field. As the case progresses, the judge will determine if the allegations warrant further examination or should be dismissed. Regardless of the legal outcome, the CCGNJ and similar organizations would be wise to carefully review their policies and culture to confirm that all staff from all backgrounds feel empowered, valued, and protected from discrimination.
