A former management consulting analyst at Accenture is asking a Georgia federal judge to disregard a magistrate judge’s recommendation to dismiss their disability claims in a lawsuit against the company. Haley Cole, who identifies as they/them, argued that U.S. Magistrate Judge John K. Larkins III’s conclusion that their Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) claims were “meritless” was flawed.
In a brief filed Thursday, Cole criticized Larkins’ report and recommendation, asserting that the second amended complaint sufficiently alleges that the harassment they endured at Accenture led to a severe decline in their mental health, ultimately forcing them to resign. Cole believes the incidents described in their complaint, including persistent harassment by their manager, Lawrence Christopher Young, should qualify as a “continuing violation” under Title VII, thus extending the statute of limitations.
Cole’s allegations date back to 2020 when they were assigned to work under Young, who allegedly sent inappropriate and sexually suggestive text messages. The harassment escalated in January 2022, culminating in a video call where Young is said to have pressured Cole into sending explicit photos before engaging in inappropriate behavior.
