$550,000 For Former City Clerk Told To Stop Wearing 'Aunt Jemima Braids'
By BIN
July 15, 2025
A former Florida city clerk has been awarded $550,000 after she was allegedly told to stop wearing "Aunt Jemima Braids."
The settlement stems from a lawsuit filed by Erica Anderson, a deputy city clerk in Haines City who was promoted to city clerk in 2020. The lawsuit accuses the city and former Mayor Anne Huffman, who is now a city commissioner, of discrimination, retaliation, and harassment.
According to the suit, Huffman made several racist comments to Anderson while she was the city clerk, including telling her that she should stop wearing "Aunt Jemima Braids." The former mayor also referred to Anderson as "unbecoming" based on her appearance and told her "she didn't act Black enough" or talk Black enough, which Huffman said wouldn't be accepted by certain neighborhoods in the city, according to the lawsuit.
The lawsuit also alleges that Huffman targeted Anderson for allegedly misusing city credit cards in 2022. Despite being cleared by the city of any wrongdoing, Anderson alleged that she was mocked and taunted by Huffman in public meetings.
Later that year, Anderson filed a whistleblower complaint with the city. She claims Huffman harassed her for reporting alleged misconduct in an apparent act of retaliation.
Anderson took FMLA after developing a serious health condition from the hostile work environment. While she was on FMLA, the city demoted Anderson, and she was suspended when she returned to work.
In October 2023, Anderson alleges that she was fired without cause following her whistleblower complaints and FMLA leave.
Anderson was awarded a $550,000 settlement by Haines City last month in federal court, per Fox 13.
Kelly Chanfrau, Anderson's attorney, said in a statement: "Erica is an amazing person. This never should've happened. She was an incredible city clerk and she stood up for others so they don't have to endure this."
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