Former Walgreens IT Director Sues over Firing After Bias Complaint
•February 12, 2026
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Why It Matters
The case highlights potential systemic bias within a major retailer and could trigger costly litigation and policy overhauls. It also underscores the legal risks companies face when handling internal discrimination complaints.
Key Takeaways
- •IT director alleges racial discrimination and retaliation
- •Hostile environment intensified after HR complaint
- •Walgreens sued for Title VII and Section 1981 violations
- •Plaintiff seeks damages, punitive relief, and jury trial
- •EEOC issued right‑to‑sue notice after prolonged investigation
Pulse Analysis
Workplace discrimination lawsuits have surged in recent years, with Title VII and Section 1981 serving as primary legal anchors for employees alleging race‑based bias. Sangamnerkar's complaint adds to a growing docket of cases where senior technologists allege that internal reporting mechanisms fail to protect them, often leading to retaliation. Courts scrutinize whether employers applied performance standards uniformly or used protected characteristics as a pretext for adverse actions, making the factual record and timing of complaints critical to outcomes.
For Walgreens, the allegations strike at both its brand reputation and its bottom line. A jury verdict or settlement could entail multimillion‑dollar payouts, especially given the request for punitive damages and attorney fees. Beyond direct costs, the retailer may face heightened scrutiny from regulators and investors demanding stronger diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) frameworks. Proactive steps—such as independent audits of HR practices, bias‑training for managers, and transparent grievance procedures—could mitigate future exposure and reassure stakeholders of a commitment to equitable treatment.
The broader tech and retail sectors are watching closely, as the case underscores the importance of safeguarding whistleblowers and ensuring that complaints are investigated without prejudice. Companies that fail to address bias risks not only legal repercussions but also talent attrition, particularly among underrepresented groups in leadership roles. By reinforcing robust, unbiased reporting channels and aligning corporate culture with DEI objectives, firms can reduce litigation risk while fostering a more inclusive workplace that attracts and retains diverse expertise.
Former Walgreens IT director sues over firing after bias complaint
The lawsuit alleges a hostile work environment that only intensified after his HR complaint
Walgreens faces a federal lawsuit alleging it fired an IT director after he flagged racial discrimination through the company's own HR department.
Sachin Sangamnerkar, described in court filings as an Asian individual of East Indian descent, filed the suit on February 10, 2026, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division. The case has been docketed as Sangamnerkar v. Walgreen Co., Case No. 1:26‑cv‑01522.
Sangamnerkar held the role of IT Director at Walgreen Co., joining the company on or around March 1, 2021. According to the filing, he met the company's reasonable performance expectations throughout his employment when those expectations were applied equally and without regard to race, national origin, or history of engaging in protected activity.
The filing alleges that despite this, Sangamnerkar was subjected to a hostile work environment on account of his race and national origin. Among the claims: his “English expression” ability was criticized, he was micromanaged considerably more than his similarly situated non‑Asian, non‑Indian coworkers, and he was excluded from important meetings and discussions. He also alleges he faced unfair and unwarranted work‑related criticism and generally rude, hostile, and unprofessional treatment in front of others — none of which, the filing states, was directed at those comparable colleagues who had not raised concerns about race or national origin discrimination.
Sangamnerkar says he then did exactly what HR departments encourage employees to do: he reported it. He made a formal written complaint to Walgreen Co.’s Human Resources Department, explicitly alleging that the treatment was rooted in his race and national origin.
What followed, according to the filing, was an escalation. The hostile work environment allegedly intensified after his internal report, and Sangamnerkar was terminated on or around June 18, 2024, without reasonable cause or justification, the suit states.
The case brings five counts against Walgreen Co.: race discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, national origin discrimination under Title VII, race discrimination under Section 1981, and retaliation under both statutes. The retaliation claims allege the company punished Sangamnerkar for exercising his right to report workplace discrimination. He is seeking compensatory damages including lost wages and damages for emotional distress, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, and equitable relief. A jury trial has been requested.
Prior to filing suit, Sangamnerkar brought a charge of discrimination with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The agency received the charge on August 12, 2024, and issued a notice of right to sue on December 5, 2025, after terminating its processing of the matter.
Walgreen Co. has not yet responded to the suit, and no determination has been made on the merits of the claims. The allegations remain untested in court.
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