A shocking lawsuit has been filed, alleging a workplace rife with racial and sexual harassment. Jeremy Harmon, a former employee, has taken legal action against The Blox Group, LLC and Pacific West Builders, Inc., claiming they subjected him to a hostile work environment. Filed on November 15, 2024, in the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, Harmon accuses his former employers of severe misconduct.
Jeremy Harmon’s complaint outlines a harrowing experience during his tenure with The Blox Group and Pacific West Builders. As a bisexual Black man, Harmon alleges he was forced to endure persistent racist and homophobic slurs at his workplace. Offensive graffiti was reportedly commonplace on job sites, with supervisors not only ignoring the harassment but participating in it themselves. Despite repeated complaints from Harmon about this toxic environment, he claims that no meaningful action was taken by either company to address or rectify the situation.
The lawsuit details how after voicing his concerns about racial slurs and derogatory language used by supervisors and coworkers alike, Harmon faced retaliation rather than support. His paychecks were delayed or shorted, his work schedule worsened, and he lost overtime opportunities. Ultimately feeling cornered by these intolerable conditions and lack of recourse within the company structure, Harmon resigned in June 2023—a move he describes as constructive termination due to an unendurable work environment.
Harmon’s allegations are extensive. He accuses The Blox Group and Pacific West Builders of violating several provisions under California's Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), including harassment based on race and sexual orientation, discrimination based on race, failure to prevent harassment and discrimination, retaliation for reporting these issues under FEHA guidelines as well as Labor Code § 1102.5 which protects employees from retaliation for disclosing illegal activities.
The plaintiff seeks compensatory damages for lost earnings along with damages for emotional distress caused by humiliation and mental anguish. Additionally, punitive damages are sought against both companies to serve as a deterrent against similar future conduct. Equitable relief is also requested alongside pre-judgment interest where applicable.
Representing Jeremy Harmon is the California Civil Rights Law Group with attorneys Lawrence A. Organ, Marqui Hood, Julianne K. Stanford, and Emily G. Kohlheim leading the charge in this significant civil rights case. Presiding over the matter is Judge J. Nguyen under Case No.: 24CV451788.