In a significant legal battle that underscores the ongoing issues of workplace discrimination, a former employee has taken legal action against a prominent Michigan organization. Andre A. Daley filed a complaint on November 25, 2025, in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan against his former employer, Gift of Life Michigan. The lawsuit alleges racial discrimination and retaliation under both federal and state civil rights laws.
Andre A. Daley, an African American male and former Diversity Equity and Inclusion Program Manager at Gift of Life Michigan, claims he faced systemic discrimination during his tenure starting June 2023. According to the complaint, Daley’s work was consistently undermined by Patrick Wells O’Brien, the Vice President of Communications & External Affairs. O’Brien allegedly challenged Daley’s work and suggested that as a Black man, Daley should not dilute his responsibilities—a statement perceived as racially charged by Daley. Despite raising these concerns with various supervisors including Sharon Bayliss and Courtney Kupres, as well as CEO Dorrie Dils, no effective action was taken to address the hostile environment.
Daley’s lawsuit details numerous incidents where he felt targeted due to his race. He reported being accused falsely of homophobia and promoting white supremacy—allegations he vehemently denies. Additionally, directives from senior management required unnecessary oversight on his projects compared to other employees at his level, which Daley argues was discriminatory treatment based on race.
The complaint further states that when Daley attempted to address these issues internally through proper channels like Human Resources and direct meetings with supervisors, he faced retaliation instead of support. His initiatives were dismantled or altered without justification, contributing to what he describes as a campaign to force him out of the organization.
In pursuit of justice, Daley is seeking multiple forms of relief from the court. These include declarations that Gift of Life Michigan engaged in unlawful employment practices under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act. He is also demanding compensation for lost wages both past and future, compensatory damages for emotional distress suffered due to discriminatory practices, punitive damages for willful misconduct by the defendant’s agents, along with attorney fees and other related costs.
Representing Andre A. Daley in this case is Brian E. Koncius from Bogas & Koncius P.C., based in Bingham Farms, Michigan. The case has been filed under Case ID 2:25-cv-13774-MAG-EAS but awaits assignment to a specific judge.
Source: 225cv13774_Andre_Daley_v_Organ_Procurement_Complaint_Eastern_District_of_Michigan.pdf
