#USA #Alameda #Stanford University #Qiqiuia Young #Stanford Health Care

Overview

On Harriet Tubman Day, March 26, 2025, Qiqiuia Young, a patient testing technician at Stanford Health Care, initiated a new lawsuit against Stanford University and Stanford Health Care in Alameda County. This lawsuit follows an unprecedented $10 million jury verdict in favor of Young, who had previously alleged racial discrimination and retaliation for her role as a medical whistleblower. This latest legal action claims that the defendants engaged in defamation through the concealment of false statements that damaged Young's reputation and integrity.

Background

In 2024, Qiqiuia Young was awarded $20 million for what has been characterized as one of the most significant defamation judgments against Stanford University and one of the largest racial discrimination verdicts against Stanford Health Care. Following the trial, the court modified the judgment to $10 million but also awarded an additional $10 million in attorneys' fees, which the institutions did not contest. They opted not to appeal but paid the amount in full.

Despite this victory, Young claims Stanford Health Care continued its pattern of discrimination, subjecting her to retaliation for exercising her rights as a whistleblower. According to her, the institution has attempted to intimidate her into resigning while simultaneously neglecting vital patient safety concerns she reported related to inadequate staff training.

Claims of Retaliation and Racism

Young alleges that her workplace environment has further deteriorated, claiming ongoing discrimination that adversely impacts her employment conditions. She has highlighted the continued failure of Stanford Health Care to adequately train nurses in the Pelvic Health Center, a concern she has raised repeatedly without appropriate action being taken. Young emphasized, "It’s a betrayal of our patients’ trust to have inadequately trained staff manage invasive procedures. Patients deserve to be informed about their health risks."

Lead attorney Lara Villarreal Hutner noted, "The jury findings in 2024 against Stanford were clear: they treated Ms. Young with malice and subjected her to racial harassment that dates back years, including incidents where coworkers attempted to intimidate her through Klan-like threats. This pattern of behavior has not ceased, and the newly filed lawsuit aims to hold Stanford Health Care accountable once again."

Evidence of Defamation

The new lawsuit references various forms of evidence to substantiate Young's claims. Notably, it includes screenshots detailing offensive remarks made by management in response to her initial complaints about discrimination. Additionally, the lawsuit presents a report of a colleague who allegedly photographed a patient's genitals without consent, illustrating the severe breaches of professional integrity within the organization.

Furthermore, an internal survey conducted by Stanford Medicine indicated the prevalence of microaggressions and fear of retaliation among African American employees, underscoring a systemic issue that the institution has failed to address. Young argues that these findings reveal a pressing need for significant changes to enhance staff training and patient safety measures.

Continuing Commitment to Patient Advocacy

Despite the challenges she has faced, Young remains steadfast in her commitment to advocating for patients. "I continue to work here not just for my own well-being but to ensure our patients receive the best possible care. Too often, profits are prioritized over patients' rights and safety. The question we should be asking is why Stanford Health Care has not altered its behavior after everything that has transpired?"

In closing, Villarreal Hutner remarked on Young's tenacity, stating, "Qiqiuia is a truly courageous whistleblower. She is committed to standing up for both patient safety and racial equality at Stanford Health Care, embodying the essence of advocating for those unable to speak out."

The lawsuit filed by Young against Stanford University and Stanford Health Care is currently pending in the Alameda County Superior Court, and the case number is 25CV114068.
For more details on the developments surrounding this case, inquiries can be sent to [email protected]