Arizona legislative staffer issued $2.75 million verdict after being allegedly discriminatorily fired

An Arizona legislative staffer was issued a $2.75 million verdict after being fired under allegedly discriminatory terms.

Talonya Adams, who identifies as a black woman, claimed she was removed from her position in 2015 due to her race and gender. According to Adams, she was fired after questioning the process of being awarded a raise after noticing she made less than her male colleagues.

“I really hope the message that it sends is to people of color and to women and to marginalized individuals that if they’re being discriminated against in the workplace, there are remedies under the law that they should pursue and fight for justice,” Adams said Thursday.

The recent trial is the second in Adams’ case after she won the first 2019, which secured her $1 million and her job back. However, last year a federal judge ordered a new trial, and as she did in the first trial, Adams’ served as her own lawyer and witness. 

Legal experts suspect the awarded damages will be reduced to $300,000 due to federal laws regarding retribution for employment discrimination.

In recent months, the case has become a point of contention in the Arizona gubernatorial race. Specifically, for Democratic candidate Katie Hobbs since she was the state senate’s Democratic leader in 2015, at the time of Adams’ firing.