The former head of a northeast Michigan commission on aging has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court claiming his termination was racially motivated.
The case stems from a 2023 dispute between former executive director Lenny Avery and members of the Alcona County Commission on Aging over how the group was going to use a $12.5 million state grant for a new community center and housing complex.
Avery, who is Black, sought to use the funds for housing at the center for middle-income people. But the board wanted the housing portion of the facility to serve older adults exclusively and voiced concerns over Avery's proposed plans for making the facility a reality.
After several months of disagreements at public meetings, that resulted in several board members resigning during public meetings, Avery was put on administrative leave without pay in January 2023.
Avery's attorney Joseph Lucas declined to comment on this story, but in a written statement said the board members were in collaboration with a grassroots political group that "targeted Avery based on his race, creating a hostile work environment."
The suit also alleges the ACCOA board did not following the disciplinary policies laid out in the employee handbook.
Local law enforcement were called during the ACCOA's Jan. 26, 2023 meeting public meeting to remove Avery from the building. The Alcona County Sheriff told WCMU at the time that Avery had the right to be at the meeting and was never removed or arrested. Avery's attorney claims this action was also motivated by his client's race.
The attorney representing the ACCOA did not respond to WCMU's request for comment.
The case will be overseen by Judge Thomas Ludington in Bay City's U.S. District Court.
