In June 2016, plaintiff Nicole Birden, a black phlebotomist, was terminated from her position at Ronald Reagan UCLA Medical Center, located on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles, in Westwood, Los Angeles. Birden claimed that she was subjected to racial discrimination and harassment throughout her employment with UCLA, but that after she complained about her work environment, she was fired. Birden sued the hospital’s operator, The Regents of the University of California. She alleged that the Regents’ actions constituted harassment, retaliation and discrimination based on her race; failure to prevent harassment and discrimination; and wrongful termination based on her race. Birden claimed that since she began working at UCLA in 2015, she experienced bullying, harassment and discrimination because of her race. She claimed that her co-workers interfered with her work and harassed her because of her race. She also she claimed that co-workers frequently used the “N” word, made disparaging remarks about the color of her skin and racially stereotyped her in Spanish. Birden claimed that when she complained about the hostile work environment, no changes were made and that soon thereafter, she was fired in retaliation for making the complaint. Defense counsel contended that Birden was terminated because of issues with her performance and not because of her race., Birden claimed that she suffered a loss of income and benefits. She claimed that while she now works for Kaiser Permanente, she has fewer benefits. She also claimed that as a result of her treatment while working at UCLA’s medical center, she suffered from emotional distress, anxiety and depression. Birden sought counseling from her pastor for her alleged emotional distress. Birden sought recovery of past and future economic damages for her lost earnings and benefits, and damages for her past and future emotional pain and suffering.