A Georgia woman claims she was denied a promotion at PNC Bank because she's a Black single mother.
According to WSBTV, Brandie Falice filed a discrimination lawsuit against PNC Bank in an attempt to seek justice for herself and other Black single mothers who have faced similar situations.
“It was very disrespectful and I questioned my worth altogether because of that,” Falice said.
Falice, who began working for PNC in 2018, said she moved up in the company and landed a role just underneath manager in less than a year.
“I got that role within the first year and I was actually promoted on my birthday in 2019,” Falice said.
In 2022, she was promoted again to assistant branch manager. Later that year, she applied for a management position at a PNC branch in Peachtree Corners, where she was allegedly denied the role because of sociodemographic status.
The regional manager who interviewed Falice for the position allegedly told her she wouldn't be a good fit because most of their customers were white and as a single mother she couldn't work weekends.
“I felt discouraged and I felt the time I spent with this company and my efforts to reach my goals in that space were shot down because of something that I love about myself,” Falice said. “It does feel like you’re judged and it feels like you’re not worthy as other people.”
In a statement, a PNC Bank spokesperson denied the allegations.
“We believe Ms. Falice was treated fairly and consistent with our company values, policies and practices. PNC does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation and we look forward to presenting the facts in court,” the bank said in a statement.
Falice's attorney, Arther Davis, said in a statement: “It’s a chance for them to show some accountability. How many young women of color are being denied opportunities for the same kinds of bias reasons used to hold Brandie Falice back.”
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