Anchor Files Lawsuit Over Alleged Demotion Due to DEI Policies
A long-serving white anchor from Boston’s CBS affiliate has initiated a federal lawsuit, claiming she was demoted as part of a corporate push for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Catherine Merril Dunham, popularly known as Kate Merril, filed the suit on August 5 in a Boston Federal Court. She argues that the DEI policy, enforced by parent companies CBS and Paramount Global, “abuses” its purpose and has resulted in what she describes as a “career-ending action” aimed at furthering the company’s DEI goals.
The lawsuit indicates that CBS acknowledged in 2021 that “diversity, equity, and inclusion standards must be top leadership priorities in every corner.” It alleges that CBS executives labeled WBZ as “too white,” despite being recognized as a station with diverse talent.
In September 2023, WBZ brought in a black meteorologist, Jason Mikel, who is named as a defendant in the suit, while a white meteorologist, Zach Green, was let go.
The suit claims that on February 22, 2024, Mikel made inappropriate remarks during a broadcast, implying that Merril and her co-writer were involved in a sexual relationship. The legal document states that he faced no disciplinary action for these comments.
Despite her support for Mikel, Merril later reached out to correct his pronunciation of “Concord.” According to the suit, he responded offensively, prompting Merril to file a complaint with WBZ’s HR department regarding his behavior.
Merril alleges that WBZ, CBS, and Paramount failed to investigate complaints about Mikel’s conduct and did not take her concerns about his comments seriously. She was, however, informed that an investigation was underway regarding potential racial biases within the workplace.
The lawsuit alleges that Mikel suggested Merril “find his people” and often questioned her about her weekends, adding to her distress. Merril firmly denied any claims made against her, asserting that they stemmed from malice or inappropriate motivations from Mikel.
Following these events, she was reportedly reassigned from her role as co-anchor on the “Weekday Morning Show” to work weekend nights.
Merril claims that this demotion has drastically hindered her career, positioning it as a “career disruption.” Moreover, she alleges reputational harm due to accusations of racism, which has affected her ability to find new work after her employment agreement with WBZ expires on June 1, 2025.
She states that she has sustained serious financial losses and is also seeking compensation for 20 unused vacation days. The case is set to go to trial, where damages will be determined.
In a recent development, CBS’s parent company, Paramount, has indicated plans to remove its DEI policy as it prepares for a merger with SkyDance Media.
Requests for comments from WBZ-TV and Mikel have yet to receive responses.
