Allegations of workplace discrimination and retaliation have been brought forward in a federal lawsuit involving an employer operating in Georgia. The legal action centers on claims that an employee faced repeated derogatory remarks about his national origin and suffered adverse consequences after reporting these incidents to management.
The complaint was filed by Hossein Roshanaei in the United States District Court for the Southern District of Georgia on March 11, 2026, naming XPO Logistics Freight, Inc. as the defendant. According to the filing, Roshanaei is a resident of Georgia who worked as a Driver Sales Representative for the company in Savannah beginning November 20, 2023.
Roshanaei asserts that during his employment he was subjected to ongoing discriminatory conduct because of his Iranian national origin. The complaint details that co-workers and supervisors allegedly made repeated derogatory statements such as referring to him as “dirty Iranian,” stating “Iranians are parasites,” making negative comments about Iranian culture, and telling him he could “leave the country.” These incidents were reported to both management and the company’s EthicsPoint hotline. However, Roshanaei claims that “Defendant failed to take effective corrective action,” resulting in what he describes as a humiliating and hostile work environment.
In addition to claims of discrimination, Roshanaei alleges retaliation for engaging in protected activity by reporting harassment internally and filing a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) on November 16, 2024 (Charge Number: 415-2025-00311). He states that after these reports were made, his work hours were reduced while on light duty assignments. The complaint further outlines disciplinary actions including “SMART coaching” and written warnings issued against him. Roshanaei contends that stricter restrictions were imposed upon him compared to other employees on similar assignments, which led to progressively worse working conditions.
The plaintiff argues that other employees on light duty were allowed more work hours without facing similar restrictions or disciplinary measures. He claims his income dropped substantially following his complaints of discrimination. According to the lawsuit, “Defendant’s actions were motivated by discrimination based on national origin” and constituted retaliation for protected activity under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act.
The legal filing lists three causes of action: National Origin Discrimination under Title VII; Hostile Work Environment under Title VII; and Retaliation for Protected Activity under Title VII. As a result of these alleged violations, Roshanaei states he suffered lost wages, emotional distress, damage to his career prospects, and other compensatory damages.
In terms of relief sought from the court, Roshanaei requests back pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney’s fees and costs (though he is representing himself), pre-judgment and post-judgment interest, as well as any additional relief deemed appropriate by the court. A jury trial has been demanded.
Documentation included with the complaint shows that the EEOC issued a Notice of Right to Sue dated December 17, 2025 after closing its investigation into Roshanaei’s charge without making a determination regarding whether violations occurred. The notice informed Roshanaei that he had ninety days from receipt to file suit against XPO Logistics Freight.
Attorneys listed in connection with communications regarding this matter include Katie S. Bayt and Amy Bennett from Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart P.C., Kathryn T. Parham from Ogletree Deakins Nash Smoak & Stewart P.C., and Christina M. Malmat from Wiggins Childs. The case is identified as Civil Action No: EUG 26 OS.
Source: 426cv00058_Hossein_Roshanaei_v_XPO_Logistics_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georiga.pdf
