Black former General Mills worker sues over alleged racial retaliation after “offensive” Black History “fun fact” flyer

Former General Mills employee L. Lee Tyus Jr. has filed a racial discrimination and retaliation lawsuit.

The lawsuit, filed June 27, claims Tyus was fired after challenging the company’s “Fun Facts About Black History” flyer in February 2025.

Former General Mills employee lawsuit details

Tyus, a plant worker since 2019 in St. Paul, Minnesota, called the flyers “offensive” and lacking proper historical context.

The flyers used red, black, and green designs and reduced traumatic events to brief trivia-style summaries.

Photo Credit: Storms Dworak LLC

One flyer summarized the Tulsa Race Massacre, one of the deadliest acts of racial violence in U.S. history.

In 1921, a white mob destroyed Tulsa, Oklahoma’s Greenwood district, killing up to 300 Black residents, demolishing 1,000+ homes, and Black-owned businesses.

Tyus said the tone trivialized deep trauma and dehumanized Black history by stripping away context and pain.

He voiced concerns to human resources, but said his complaint was brushed off and dismissed.

Tyus claimed the HR response included the remark that white tragedies are “just American Tragedies.”

Shortly after, he spoke with management and took paid leave due to emotional distress.

That same day, Tyus filed a formal ethics complaint and was placed on involuntary leave. He was told to submit medical documentation if he wanted to return.

When his leave ended, he discovered his building access had been revoked without explanation.

A representative later asked him to refer other employees who felt similarly offended by the flyers.

Alleged retaliation

On March 19, less than a month later, Tyus was terminated and escorted from the building.

Tyus had received a positive performance review in January, rating him as “on track,” court filings state.

The lawsuit argues that his firing was retaliatory and violates the Minnesota Human Rights Act.

Tyus is seeking at least $150,000 in damages across three counts, plus attorney’s fees and a civil fine.

His legal team says General Mills should support whistleblowers, not punish them.

“Speaking out about racism takes courage,” said attorney Naomi Martin. “That’s exactly what civil rights laws protect.”

General Mills declined to discuss details but stated: “We do not tolerate discrimination or retaliation.”