A lawsuit has been filed against a municipal corporation, alleging severe racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. On December 8, 2025, Calvin McClinton lodged a complaint in the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan against the City of Lansing. The case accuses the city of violating both federal and state civil rights laws.
Calvin McClinton’s lawsuit outlines a troubling series of events during his employment with Lansing Board of Water and Light (LBWL), starting from his hiring as a Water Production Helper in May 2019. According to McClinton, he was subjected to racial discrimination, sexual assault, and health-related negligence by his employer. The complaint details an incident in 2020 where McClinton was allegedly sexually assaulted by Andrew Garza, another employee. Despite reporting this to LBWL’s Director of Human Resources, Michael Flowers, no action was taken against Garza due to his perceived importance to the department. Instead, McClinton was transferred within the company under pretexts that belittled his presence at LBWL.
McClinton further alleges that he suffered multiple injuries due to being assigned tasks beyond his physical capabilities. His knee injury in July 2021 required surgery after lifting heavy items at work. Additionally, working conditions exacerbated his heart condition following open-heart surgery in June 2023. Despite medical documentation from Dr. Doss advising against exposure to certain chemicals at the Water Plant due to health risks, LBWL failed to accommodate these restrictions.
The complaint also highlights instances of racial harassment from white coworkers who reported him for minor infractions like shoveling snow incorrectly or improperly entering timecards. Furthermore, McClinton’s attempts at career advancement were thwarted when he was removed from an apprenticeship program under dubious circumstances despite having support from instructors willing to help him complete it.
McClinton seeks relief through economic damages including back pay and front pay; compensatory damages for emotional distress; punitive damages; attorney fees; and other legal remedies available under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act (ELCRA). He argues that LBWL’s actions constitute violations of these laws by fostering a racially hostile work environment and failing to take corrective measures.
Representing McClinton is Ayanna D. Neal from Grewal Law PLLC based in Okemos, Michigan. The case is presided over by judges yet unnamed under Case ID: 1:25-cv-01686.
Source: 125cv1686_Calvin_Mcclinton_v_City_of_Lansing_Complaint_Western_Distrcit_of_Michigan.pdf
