Barrett & Farahany is representing Erin Ferguson in a federal retaliation and defamation lawsuit against his former employer, the New Georgia Project. The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, alleges that Ferguson was wrongfully terminated for participating in a sexual harassment investigation and supporting employees who reported misconduct by the nonprofit’s executives.
According to the lawsuit, Ferguson, who joined the Atlanta-based voter engagement nonprofit in 2022 and was later promoted to director of operations, was fired in January 2024, just days after providing statements to internal investigators about sexual harassment claims involving senior leaders. Ferguson contends that the official reasons given for his termination—dishonesty and alleged policy violations—were pretextual and that the real motive was retaliation for his role in exposing workplace misconduct.
The complaint further alleges that the organization’s leadership defamed Ferguson by falsely accusing him of theft, damaging his reputation in the nonprofit sector and making it difficult for him to secure new employment. Ferguson has stated that his termination caused him significant economic hardship, emotional distress, and the loss of critical employment benefits, which has been particularly burdensome given his medical condition.
Barrett & Farahany, known for their dedication to workplace justice, is pursuing claims of Title VII retaliation, sex discrimination, and defamation on Ferguson’s behalf. The lawsuit seeks back pay, front pay, compensatory and punitive damages, as well as attorney fees and litigation expenses.
This case highlights the ongoing challenges employees face in protecting their rights when reporting misconduct. Barrett & Farahany remains committed to holding employers accountable and ensuring justice for individuals who have suffered retaliation for standing up against workplace harassment and discrimination.
