The Case
Jennifer Harris joined FedEx in 2007 and built an exceptional sales career—earning multiple promotions and reaching the company’s President’s Club. In 2017, FedEx promoted her to District Sales Manager.
In March 2019, Ms. Harris reported concerns about racial discrimination to Human Resources. Shortly after, her supervisor began issuing disciplinary letters and placing her on performance improvement plans. FedEx terminated her employment in January 2020.
Ms. Harris filed suit alleging race discrimination and retaliation under 42 U.S.C. § 1981 (“The Civil Rights Act of 1866”) and Title VII.
The Trial
On October 25, 2022, the jury found that FedEx retaliated against Ms. Harris for reporting discrimination and awarded $366,160,000 in damages.
The Appeal and Resolution
FedEx appealed to the Fifth Circuit. On February 1, 2024, the appellate court affirmed the jury’s finding of retaliation but reduced the damages award. FedEx then satisfied the judgment, and the parties resolved the remaining attorneys’ fees dispute, resulting in a total recovery of $1,083,000.
Significance
The jury’s unanimous finding of retaliation—affirmed by the Fifth Circuit—sent a clear message: employees who report discrimination are protected by law, and employers who target them will be held accountable.
Trial Team: Brian Sanford and BB Sanford
Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.