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Employees who worked for Oregon Health & Science University, identified as Black or a person of color, were a member of AFSCME or ONA and received formal discipline short of discharge between Sept. 10, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2021, may be eligible to claim approximately $4,000 from a class action settlement.
Oregon Health & Science University agreed to pay $750,000 to settle a class action lawsuit alleging it engaged in discriminatory discipline practices affecting certain employees who identified as Black or a person of color. The lawsuit claimed OHSU's human resources policies led to disproportionately harsh discipline for these employees compared to their white counterparts.
Who are the class members?
Individuals must meet all of the following criteria:
- They worked for OHSU at any time between Sept. 10, 2019, and Dec. 31, 2021.
- They were a member of either AFSCME Local 328 or Oregon Nurses Association CA 52.
- They identify as Black or as a person of color.
- They received formal disciplinary measures short of discharge during the class period.
There are approximately 134 class members identified based on OHSU's records.
How much can class members receive?
Each eligible class member is expected to receive a payment of approximately $4,000. The exact amount may vary slightly depending on the final number of eligible class members, the actual costs of administering the settlement and the amounts awarded by the court for attorneys' fees, expenses and the class representative's service award.
No action needed to receive payment
Class members do not need to file a claim to receive their payment. Those who received a notice by mail or email will automatically receive a settlement payment. Individuals who believe they qualify but who did not receive a notice should contact the settlement administrator to confirm their eligibility and update their contact information.
Settlement administrator's contact information: Gloria Richards and Depreesha Smith v. Oregon Health and Science University, c/o Claims Administrator - 9222, P.O. Box 26170, Santa Ana, CA 92799, info@OHSUClassSettlement.com, 888-369-3780
$750,000 settlement fund breakdown
The $750,000 settlement fund covers:
- Settlement administration costs: Up to $8,400
- Attorneys' fees: Up to $225,000
- Attorneys' costs: To be determined
- Service award to class representative: $7,500
- Payments to class members: Approximately $546,600
The settlement administrator will donate any leftover funds to Northwest Workers Justice Project and Legal Aid Services of Oregon.
Important dates
- Opt-out deadline: May 12, 2026
- Final approval hearing: June 23, 2026
When is the OHSU class action settlement payout date?
The settlement administrator will issue payments approximately 20 days after the court resolves all appeals and grants final approval of the settlement.
Why did this class action settlement happen?
The class action lawsuit alleged OHSU's human resources policies and practices resulted in discriminatory discipline against employees who identified as Black or a person of color who were union members and received formal discipline short of discharge.
OHSU denied any wrongdoing but agreed to settle to avoid the cost and risk of further litigation. Both sides agreed that settlement was in the best interest of all parties.
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