From [HERE] A former Hyundai executive at the automaker’s Montgomery plant has filed a federal lawsuit, claiming she was fired from her position after being singularly excluded from leadership, with her position diminished because of racism.

Yvette Gilkey-Shuford, who said she was previously the top ranked female and Black executive at the auto factory until her position was terminated in June, earlier filed a complaint with the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Her lawsuit was filed today in U.S. District Court for Alabama’s middle district. She is suing for compensatory and punitive damages, back pay and lost benefits.

In a statement, Robert Burns, vice president of human resources & administration at Hyundai Motors Manufacturing Alabama, said the company “respectfully disagrees with the claims outlined by the former employee. The claims will be vigorously defended with information presented during the litigation process.

“HMMA provides a workplace free of discrimination based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship status, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, uniformed service member status or any other status protected by federal, state or local law,” Burns said.

According to the suit, Gilkey-Shuford worked for Hyundai for 19 years, eventually becoming Director of Administration in 2018. Yet she claims upon assuming the position, she found her responsibilities diminished and was the lowest paid director.