In a gripping legal battle that underscores the ongoing challenges of workplace discrimination, a former employee has taken a stand against her previous employer, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation. On January 15, 2026, Tammy Summers filed a complaint in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia against the City of Roswell, Georgia; Kurt Wilson, the former Mayor; Randy D. Knighton, the City Administrator; and Linda Warren, the former Human Resources Director.
Tammy Summers, who served as a Human Resources Manager for over five years with an exemplary record at the City of Roswell, claims she was subjected to racial discrimination and retaliatory practices following Linda Warren’s appointment as Human Resources Director in September 2022. According to Summers’ allegations, Warren initiated a campaign targeting white employees for replacement by Black or other minority individuals. This led to increased scrutiny and job instability for Summers and her colleagues. “Ms. Summers was held accountable for recruiting metrics but did not supervise or have any authority over recruitment staff members,” states the complaint.
The situation escalated when Summers reported these discriminatory practices on May 14, 2024. Her report prompted an investigation by Pointerwise, an external consultant. However, during this period, Warren allegedly pressured staff into signing non-disclosure agreements to conceal the discriminatory actions—a request Summers refused. Despite participating in good faith with the investigation, which concluded insufficient evidence against Warren’s conduct on August 6, 2024, Summers faced abrupt termination just weeks later on August 23 without cause or warning.
Summers’ lawsuit contends that her dismissal was part of a broader retaliatory strategy orchestrated by Knighton and approved by Wilson due to her complaints about “reverse racism.” Following her termination, her position was filled first by a Black woman and subsequently by a Latina woman after further turnover—moves that underscore her claims of racial bias in employment decisions.
Summers is seeking comprehensive relief from the court under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and related statutes (42 U.S.C. § 1981 through § 1983). She demands declaratory judgment recognizing violations of her rights and seeks compensation for lost wages and benefits along with damages for emotional distress caused by what she describes as deliberate acts meant to harm her professionally and personally.
Representing Tammy Summers are attorneys Cheryl B. Legare and Meeta Dama from Legare, Attwood & Ragan LLC based in Decatur, Georgia. The case is under Case ID: 1:26-cv-00253-JPB-JHR.
Source: 126cv253_Tammy_Summers_v_City_of_Roswell_Complaint_Northern_District_of_Georgia.pdf
