Broad Museum Faces Allegations of Discrimination and Sexual Harassment

The Broad Museum in Los Angeles, a renowned cultural institution, is facing serious allegations after its former Human Resources (HR) director, Darron Rezell Walker, filed a lawsuit accusing the museum and its former Chief Operating Officer (COO), Alysa Gerlach, of discrimination, retaliation, and sexual harassment. This lawsuit has not only highlighted internal workplace issues but also raised concerns about the broader implications of workplace culture within prestigious organizations.

The Allegations

The lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles County Superior Court, accuses Gerlach of creating a toxic work environment, engaging in discriminatory practices, and retaliating against Walker for opposing her actions. Below are the key allegations from the lawsuit:

1. Age and Race Discrimination

Walker alleges that Gerlach pressured him to fire Rick Mitchell, a 65-year-old white male serving as the museum’s director of facilities. The reason, according to the lawsuit, was Gerlach’s personal animosity, coupled with biases against Mitchell’s age and race. The lawsuit claims Gerlach explicitly stated that she did not want “an old white man” in a leadership role.

2. Retaliation Against Walker

After conducting a thorough internal investigation, Walker concluded that Mitchell had a strong reputation among colleagues and that termination was unwarranted. Despite Walker’s findings, Gerlach moved forward with firing Mitchell and subsequently terminated Walker, allegedly as retaliation for his opposition.

3. Hostile Work Environment

Walker claims Gerlach asked invasive and inappropriate questions about his sexual orientation and romantic life. She is also accused of frequently sharing details about her own personal relationships, contributing to a toxic and unprofessional workplace environment.

Career Impacts on the Former HR Director

Walker, who served as HR director for less than two months, describes his dismissal as “devastating” to his career. His attorney emphasized that Walker had built strong professional connections within the art and fashion industries, and his abrupt termination not only harmed his reputation but also caused significant personal and professional setbacks.

Workplace Investigation Findings

During Walker’s investigation into Mitchell’s behavior, co-workers described Mitchell as a fair and well-respected leader. The lawsuit notes that:

• Female employees expressed appreciation for Mitchell’s leadership style.

• No credible evidence supported claims that Mitchell was misogynistic or discriminatory.

• Walker warned that firing Mitchell could expose the museum to legal and reputational risks.

Despite these findings, Gerlach proceeded with Mitchell’s termination and, shortly after, dismissed Walker in what he describes as a humiliating manner.

The allegations against the Broad Museum and Gerlach carry serious consequences for its reputation and operational integrity