Former Google Director Says His Career Path Was Blocked Because He Is White

Increased focus on so-called “reverse discrimination” has led to a number of complaints from White employees who say they’ve lost out on career opportunities because of their race. In many instances, gathering the evidence to support a bias claim is a tough task. Companies and managers frequently try to find legal justifications for discriminatory actions and rarely come right out and say that someone won’t get a promotion due to the color of their skin.

There are exceptions however, and William Huesman’s lawsuit against Google alleges that his boss, Snehanshu Shah, expressly told him that his future at the online search giant was limited because he is White. According to Huesman, this is just one instance of outrageous conduct by his boss, but despite numerous reports of Shah’s improper behavior to management, Google failed take effective action.    

The filing further states that Shah regularly appeared intoxicated on and off the job, and that even an outside vendor noted his lack of professionalism. This resulted in the vendor requesting that Huesman serve as their Google contact, rather than Shah. After being berated by Shah on several occasions, Huesman says that felt he had no choice but to resign once Shah told him that he was “blacklisted” at the company. 

It does not matter if an employee is from a traditionally underrepresented group or not, a supervisor’s explicit race-based comment, if proven, can constitute powerful direct evidence of discrimination. Allegations that an employer ignored repeated internal and external complaints can also amplify exposure by suggesting notice and inaction.

Though not every case contains the dramatic allegations of Huesman v. Google LLC, many businesses across the country have gone too far in their Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) efforts. When DEI-related is more subtle, a seasoned employer can dig through the relevant facts to evaluate whether an actionable claim exists. If someone did not receive the chances they deserved at work because they are White or male, they have the same legal rights as anybody else. 

Kardell Law Group provides knowledgeable advice and strong advocacy in all types of employment bias claims, including those involving reverse discrimination. In a consultation, we can review the facts of your case and outline your legal options.