The LIHS Discrimination Case: Expert Insights from Attorney David H. Rosenberg

A recent discrimination lawsuit against Long Island Housing Services (LIHS) has highlighted critical workplace issues many employees face. In a May 14, 2025, Newsday article, attorney David H. Rosenberg, a leading New York employment law expert, provided insights that offer important lessons for workers across Long Island and New York.

The Case at a Glance

According to the article, JaNeen West, a former fair housing investigator at LIHS, filed a federal lawsuit alleging workplace discrimination and retaliation. She states that a coworker made derogatory comments about women, including that “women should be cooking and cleaning” instead of working. After reporting the comments, she claims she faced retaliation.

The article also includes claims of disability discrimination. West says she requested a remote work arrangement due to lung nodules that placed her at higher health risk. The lawsuit alleges that LIHS responded by demanding her full medical records—an action experts like Mr. Rosenberg see as potentially excessive.

Expert Analysis from Mr. Rosenberg

In Newsday, Mr. Rosenberg outlined an important legal standard: “The federal standard for workplace harassment requires that the conduct is severe or pervasive, creating a hostile work environment.” He added, “You really want to show the judge that it wasn’t one conversation, but there were many, and then I reported it and they retaliated.”

His comments emphasize how key documentation is in these cases. Showing a pattern of behavior, rather than isolated incidents, can make a claim stronger.

Understanding Your Rights at Work

If you’re facing discrimination or harassment at work, it’s important to know your rights:

Workplace Harassment Protection: Comments like those alleged in the LIHS case can be considered harassment if they create a hostile work environment. Workers have the right to a workplace free from offensive or degrading behavior. Employers must act when harassment is reported. If they don’t, they can be held responsible under the law.

Disability Accommodation Rights: Under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers are required to provide reasonable accommodations for qualified employees. Demanding excessive medical documentation, as alleged in the LIHS case, may violate these rights.

Protection from Retaliation: Laws protect workers from being punished for reporting discrimination. Retaliation can take many forms, including job changes, increased scrutiny, or creating a hostile environment—all of which are alleged in this case.

Protecting Yourself on the Job

If you’re dealing with discrimination or retaliation at work, take these steps:

• Document everything: Note dates, times, witnesses, and what happened
  
• Follow internal procedures: Report issues through your company’s official process
  
• Save evidence: Keep emails, messages, and other related materials
  
• Get legal advice early: Consulting an experienced employment lawyer early helps you understand your rights and next steps
  

Experience Matters in Employment Law

Attorney David H. Rosenberg is a well-respected employment lawyer who handles every case himself, providing clients with direct, consistent support. His practice focuses on:

• Workplace Harassment: Addressing repeated inappropriate behavior in the workplace
  
• Disability Discrimination: Ensuring employees receive fair treatment under the ADA
  
• Retaliation: Defending those punished after reporting illegal or unethical actions
  

A Trusted Advocate for New York Employees

David H. Rosenberg has earned recognition from Super Lawyers, Top Attorneys of North America, and New York Metro’s Top Lawyers, as published in The New York Times. He has also been featured in Newsday, the New York Daily News, and other publications for his legal insight.

He represents clients across Long Island and New York City, including Nassau and Suffolk Counties.

---

If you’re facing workplace discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, contact The Law Office of David H. Rosenberg, PC
Phone: 516-741-0300
Address: 445 Broad Hollow Rd. Suite 25, Melville, NY 11747

The information and allegations cited to herein comes directly from publicly filed documentation and are meant as a means of attorney advertising.