Former MSU sanitation worker files $5 million federal lawsuit alleging racial discrimination, inequality; seeking reinstatement

LANSING — A former Michigan State University custodian has filed a federal lawsuit against the university, alleging he was fired in retaliation for questioning pay discrepancies and racial inequities.

Robert P. Hollingsworth III, a Black Lansing resident, filed the complaint on Dec. 30 in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The lawsuit seeks more than $5 million in compensatory damages, citing wrongful termination and severe emotional distress, according to court documents.

University officials declined to release a formal statement on the case.

“The university does not comment on pending litigation,” MSU spokesperson Mark Bullion told City Pulse via email.

According to the court filing, the conflict began on July 31, 2023, during a conversation between Hollingsworth and his direct manager, Rebecca Delap. Hollingsworth alleges he inquired about a discrepancy in work hours offered to a less-experienced coworker who was not Black.

The complaint states that in response to his inquiry about equal treatment, Delap became dismissive and allegedly told Hollingsworth to “clock out” immediately. The university later claimed Hollingsworth had voluntarily quit, a reason the lawsuit characterizes as a “pretextual” fabrication intended to mask a retaliatory motive.

Hollingsworth had never been formally disciplined and had, in fact, recently been recognized with an award for good performance, according to the complaint.

The legal action follows a September 2025 “right to sue” letter that was issued by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Hollingsworth also alleges that the university’s Office of Institutional Equity dismissed his internal complaints without a proper investigation, despite being provided with audio evidence of the incident.

Hollingsworth, who is representing himself in the matter, claims the loss of employment led to “concrete financial harm,” including the inability to meet court-ordered child support and the need for ongoing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder and depression.

He is seeking $5 million in damages for back pay, front pay, emotional distress, pain and suffering and other economic losses. He also is asking to be reinstated to his position.

The five-count lawsuit alleges violations of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Michigan Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act, and the Michigan Whistleblowers’ Protection Act.