August 3, 2023
In a deeply disheartening incident, a 78-year-old Indian-American engineer has filed a federal lawsuit against his former employer, Parsons Corporation, a missile defense contractor based in Huntsville, Alabama. Anil Varshney, a Senior Systems Engineer, alleges that he was wrongfully terminated for speaking in Hindi during a video call with his dying relative in India. The lawsuit, which also names Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin as the legal representative for the Missile Defense Agency (MDA), claims systemic discriminatory actions that left Varshney jobless in October of the previous year.
The incident in question occurred on September 26, 2022, when Varshney received a heart-wrenching video call from his elderly brother-in-law, K.C. Gupta, who was on his deathbed in India, reaching out to say his final goodbyes. Faced with the dire situation and knowing that he might never have another chance to speak to Gupta, Varshney retreated to an empty cubicle to take the call. Prior to answering the call, he ensured that no classified materials or work-related documents were nearby, acting responsibly in his position as a Senior Systems Engineer.
During the approximately two-minute call, Varshney spoke in Hindi, his native language, with his ailing relative. Unfortunately, their emotional exchange was interrupted by a white co-worker, who overheard the conversation and inquired if Varshney was on a video call. With honesty, Varshney confirmed the situation. Tragically, the co-worker informed Varshney that such calls were not allowed, leading to Varshney promptly hanging up. Regrettably, it was the last time he spoke to Gupta before his passing.
The unjust termination that followed the incident has caused immense distress and outrage among the Indian-American community and advocates for workplace equality. Varshney’s lawsuit accuses Parsons Corporation of discriminatory actions, alleging that he was fired solely because of his ethnicity and language.
As the case unfolds in the northern district of Alabama, many are calling for a thorough investigation into the alleged systemic discrimination faced by Varshney and others in similar situations. The involvement of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin in the lawsuit adds to the gravity of the matter, raising concerns about workplace inclusivity and cultural sensitivity within the MDA and its contractors.
Members of the Indian-American community are rallying behind Varshney, demanding justice for the loss of his job and the emotional trauma he experienced during such a challenging personal time. They assert that no one should be penalized or discriminated against for speaking their native language or connecting with their family during times of great sorrow.
While the legal battle unfolds, this incident serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing need for promoting diversity and inclusion in workplaces across the United States. The outcome of the lawsuit may have significant implications on policies and practices in companies dealing with sensitive national security matters.
As the world watches closely, the pursuit of justice for Anil Varshney and the protection of individual rights remain at the forefront of the nation’s collective consciousness.
