Andrea Trischan, the former program manager of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) for the Phoenix Suns, has filed a formal complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and the Arizona attorney general's office's civil rights division, alleging wrongful termination. Trischan, who served in her role from September 2022 to July 2023, is seeking $60 million in damages.
Allegations and Concerns
According to Trischan, her tenure with the Suns was marred by a hostile work environment and overtly racist comments that went unaddressed despite being reported to Human Resources and executive leadership. A significant point of contention for Trischan was the organization's decision to appoint several executives accused of misconduct to a new diversity council. She voiced her concerns to Kim Corbitt, the head of HR for the Suns, emphasizing the potential impacts on the organization’s DE&I initiatives.
Trischan further claims that she was placed on a performance improvement plan in late May 2023 and was ultimately dismissed in July 2023. Her attorney, Sheree Wright, has been vocal about the detrimental working conditions Trischan allegedly faced during her time with the Suns.
The Suns' Defense
The Phoenix Suns have vehemently denied any allegations of wrongdoing. Stacey Mitch, senior vice president of communications for the Suns and Mercury, stated, "A former employee who last worked for the organization in 2023 was terminated after less than 10 months due to repeated failure to perform her job duties." Mitch also described Trischan's claims as "baseless," asserting that she is leveraging past reports from 2022 related to prior ownership to bolster her case. "This individual filed a baseless charge with a state agency and is now trying to use ESPN reporting from 2022, specific to previous ownership, to make egregious claims in order to support her ridiculous demand for $60 million from the Suns organization," Mitch added.
The Suns’ spokesperson echoed similar sentiments, clarifying the purpose of the diversity council. "Ms. Trischan's claims regarding the diversity council are misleading. The purpose of the diversity council, which is comprised of the entire executive team and other leaders in the organization, is to listen to the diversity data and information on DE&I initiatives to continue to further the organization's DE&I commitment."
Context and Organizational Changes
Trischan's complaint also intersects with broader organizational shifts within the Suns. Notably, the NBA had suspended the Suns’ former owner, Robert Sarver, due to findings of inappropriate workplace conduct. Additionally, Jason Rowley, the former team president and CEO, resigned in February 2023, coinciding with Mat Ishbia finalizing his purchase of the team.
In light of these significant changes, the Suns have committed to participating in an ongoing review by the Arizona Civil Rights Division (ACRD). "The Suns continue to participate in the [Arizona Civil Rights Division] review in good faith. We are confident that after the ACRD completes its review of Ms. Trischan's charge, the ACRD will confirm that Ms. Trischan's claims are factually and legally baseless," a spokesperson for the Suns stated.
Meanwhile, Trischan and her legal representation remain steadfast in their pursuit of justice. Attorney Sheree Wright highlighted the severity of Trischan's workplace experiences, emphasizing the unaddressed hostile environment and racist remarks.
As the investigation progresses, the media and public will closely monitor the developments surrounding Trischan's complaint and the Suns' responses. With both sides firmly entrenched in their positions, the resolution of this high-stakes legal battle promises to have significant implications for the organization's future and its commitment to DE&I principles.