Ex-Bungie HR Manager Files Lawsuit Over Alleged Unlawful Termination

A lawsuit has been filed by a former Bungie HR manager, alleging that she was wrongfully terminated from her position earlier this year. According to reports from IGN, the lawsuit states that her termination followed her handling of a potential racial discrimination case at the Bungie studio, with a jury trial scheduled for January 22, 2024. The HR manager had been investigating the treatment of a Black employee, who was the only African American in a team of 50, and had reported that his supervisor was allegedly discriminating against him due to his race. The HR manager recommended diversity training for the supervisor, but this suggestion was met with resistance. Instead, it was proposed that the Black employee's contract be terminated, a decision the HR manager opposed, citing potential racial bias. After seeking guidance from Bungie's director of equity and inclusion, Dr. Courtney Benjamin, it was decided that the employee would receive a written warning rather than be fired. However, the HR manager's actions allegedly angered her supervisor, resulting in a written warning and a sudden downgrade in her performance rating, despite previously receiving positive reviews. Her access to company emails and platforms was subsequently revoked without explanation, and she was eventually informed that her resignation had been accepted, although she had not submitted one. The incident occurred months after an IGN report in December 2021 highlighted Bungie's history of tolerating sexism, racism, and systemic discrimination. Emails sent to the company's chief people officer, Holly Barbacovi, regarding the incident reportedly went unanswered.