Rachel Parikh’s Lawsuit Highlights Mockery, Hostility, and Offensive Work Environment

Rachel Parikh, an Indian-American curator, has filed a lawsuit against the Worcester Art Museum, alleging racial discrimination and a hostile work environment. The 64-page lawsuit, filed in Worcester County Superior Court, outlines Parikh’s experiences of being “mocked and ridiculed” due to her skin color and subjected to a work environment that she found “hostile and offensive.”

Allegations of Mockery and Hostility

Parikh’s lawsuit centers around her time as the associate curator of the arts of Asia and the Islamic world at the Worcester Art Museum. She resigned from her position last fall, citing issues related to her treatment within the institution. The lawsuit specifically names Director Matthias Waschek and Parikh’s supervisor, Claire Whitner, as the individuals responsible for the alleged misconduct.

Racially Insensitive Comments and Actions

The lawsuit highlights several instances of racially insensitive comments and actions. Parikh claims that she endured “racism and unwelcome and offensive behavior” on multiple occasions. She states that she experienced these incidents both while working within the museum and during social gatherings organized by Waschek.

One of the allegations involves a comment made by Whitner, reportedly at the request of Waschek, suggesting that Parikh should “look the part” of a curator by wearing makeup, jewelry, and specific clothing. Parikh’s complaint points out that such requirements were not outlined in the museum’s employee handbook.

Intrusive Questions and Imitation of Accent

Parikh also alleges that during a brunch and a dinner with Waschek and his husband, she was subjected to intrusive questions about her cultural heritage. The two men reportedly made comments about a British television show from the 1990s featuring an Indian family. Parikh claims that both men imitated an Indian accent while discussing the show, which she found offensive.

Investigation and Museum’s Response

An external consultancy firm was hired to investigate Parikh’s claims of harassment and retaliation. The firm’s final report, submitted in July 2022, stated that while the claims could not be substantiated with other colleagues, they found Parikh’s statements to be credible.

Director Matthias Waschek responded to the allegations, describing them as “patently false” and “staggering.” Parikh’s supervisor, Claire Whitner, stated that she was unaware of the allegations until the day Parikh resigned. She defended the museum’s handling of the investigation, emphasizing that they took Parikh’s claims seriously.

Impact on Parikh and Conclusion

Parikh described her work experiences as mentally exhausting and physically taxing due to the constant stress she felt while anticipating offensive comments or actions. She eventually resigned, citing the museum’s failure to uphold its own policies in addressing the issues raised in her complaint.

The lawsuit sheds light on the ongoing struggle against discrimination and the need for workplaces to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. Parikh’s case underscores the importance of investigating such claims thoroughly and fostering a culture of respect and diversity within institutions.

About Rachel Parikh

Described in the lawsuit as an “expert in South Asian and Islamic art with a focus on works on paper as well as arms and armor,” Parikh’s background is highlighted. Her parents immigrated to the US from India in 1979, and she was born and raised in Chicago.

In an interview, Parikh expressed how her experiences at the museum took her back to the feeling of being bullied as a child for her ethnicity. Her lawsuit aims to address these issues and advocate for fair treatment and equal opportunities for all individuals, regardless of their background.

Feature Image: Worcestor Art Museum. Courtesy: wiki

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