ALLENTOWN, Pa. — A federal judge has dismissed a lawsuit by a city of Allentown employee who claimed she was subjected to a racially hostile workplace.
Tawanna Whitehead, who is Black, filed the suit in 2024, claiming city councilwoman Candida Affa and other white colleagues subjected her to a racially hostile environment, which allegedly included name-calling.
The judge ruled the incidents claimed by Whitehead did not rise to the level of a civil rights violation.
When told of the dismissal, Candida Affa told 69 News it has been a horrible two years and that she is thrilled the case has been dropped.
Whitehead’s attorney says she is considering an appeal.
“We respect the judge’s decision, but we are disappointed by it and disagree with it,” said Attorney Mark Weinstein. “It takes a lot of courage to do what Tawanna did, to take her employer to court. She doesn’t regret it.”
“She has the right to appeal, and we are carefully weighing that option,” said Weinstein.