In 2018 Five days from his fifth year work anniversary at Novant Health in South Carolina, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications David Duval was fired and replaced by two women. One of whom was a black woman.
Duvall claimed that neither of the two women who replaced his position (now split in two) were more qualified than he was. David was seemingly fired for no reason… aside from race of course.
According to the Daily Mail, He says he was inexplicably terminated just days before reaching his five year work anniversary, a milestone that would have awarded him a higher severance payout than what he was given.
This change in management was based in affirmative action. The giving of positions to persons who are seen as disadvantaged based on their identity. David, lost his job because he was white. He didn’t make the cut when it came to historical oppression and it cost him his livelihood.
Or so he thought at the time… David Duvall was awarded $10 million in what’s being called a “reverse discrimination payout”. There’s nothing “reverse” about this situation. It’s just discrimination plain and simple.
The hospital had, at the time a “five year plan” meant to boost diversity of staff. Duvall’s lawyers came to the conclusion that he was fired “out of the clear blue sky” due to his pale complexion and male gender. According to his complaint at least 5 other high level employees were also fired and replaced by a person of color, or a woman within a 12-18 after his termination.
Ultimately, the Jury took his side and David was set up for life due to the prejudice he endured. Hopefully this stands as a lesson for any organization hiring/promoting/firing for race over qualification.