Only female manager sues DuPont alleging biased discipline and firing

The dispute traces back to April 2024, when Johnson used a swear word during an asset meeting while trying to stop two individuals who were in a heated argument. That kind of language, the suit claims, was common among the male managers on her team. One allegedly swore on a daily basis in front of peers and employees and was never placed on a performance improvement plan or disciplined the way Johnson was. 

Johnson was treated differently. The company’s HR leader investigated the incident and placed Johnson on a PIP in early June 2024. The plan cited not only the swearing, but also accused her of showing “favoritism” and treating employees unfairly — accusations she says she had never heard before. When she asked for documentation to support them, according to the suit, none was provided. 

Around the same time, Johnson told HR she was working with doctors to address a thyroid ailment, in addition to diagnosed anxiety and depression. What followed, she alleges, came fast. 

According to the lawsuit, HR accused Johnson of being a “liar” and did not allow her to respond to the accusations. She was then instructed to speak with the engineer who had originally reported the swearing incident — and when she did, following those exact instructions, she was suspended on June 19 for “retaliation.” Two days later, she was terminated. 

Johnson is seeking at least $150,000 per count under Title VII, the Americans with Disabilities Act, and a Pennsylvania state anti-discrimination law. No determination has been made on the merits of her claims, and the company has not yet publicly responded.