*In a significant case highlighting issues of workplace discrimination, Brandie Falice, a former employee of PNC Bank, has filed a lawsuit against the financial institution, alleging that her denial of promotion was rooted in racial and gender bias.
Falice’s claims not only bring attention to her personal experience but also reflect ongoing concerns about equity and inclusion in corporate America.
According to the discrimination lawsuit, Falice, a black single mother, interviewed for a higher management position at PNC’s Peachtree Corners branch—just northeast of Atlanta—after spending six years with the bank. Despite being a dedicated employee on a fast track to management, she reported that the regional manager cited a series of discriminatory reasons for not promoting her.
In her statements to WSB-TV, Falice expressed the deep emotional impact of the rejection.
“I felt discouraged and I felt the time I spent with this company and my efforts to reach my goals in that space were shot down because of something that I love about myself.”
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The regional manager allegedly claimed that Falice was unsuitable for the position because she was black, as most of the branch’s clientele were white. Additionally, the manager pointed out that her status as a single mother would hinder her availability to work weekends.
“It was very disrespectful and I questioned my worth altogether because of that,” Falice said about the experience.
Her academic credentials and work history—holding a bachelor’s degree in business administration and advancing during the COVID-19 pandemic—only add to the discussion about her qualifications for the role.
In response to the lawsuit, PNC Bank’s spokesperson firmly denied any allegations of discrimination, asserting that Falice was treated fairly and in alignment with the bank’s values and policies.
“PNC does not tolerate discrimination or retaliation, and we look forward to presenting the facts in court,” the statement read.
Falice’s attorney, Artur Davis, called for accountability, questioning how many other women of color face similar discriminatory biases within their careers.
“How many young women of color are being denied opportunities for the same kinds of bias reasons used to hold Brandie Falice back,” Attorney Davis said, highlighting the systemic issues that often pervade corporate environments.
This lawsuit is not an isolated incident for PNC Bank. The institution has faced previous allegations of racial discrimination, including a 2023 lawsuit filed by Kiara Young, a Black woman denied service while attempting to cash a check, and a 2018 incident involving Tatiana Denson, who alleged racial bias when trying to open a business account.
To counteract these challenges, PNC Bank has made substantial commitments to racial equity, including over $1 billion pledged in June 2020 to combat systemic racism. More recently, the bank’s Community Benefits Plan, launched in January 2022, aims to provide $88 billion in loans and investments over four years to promote economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals and communities of color.
Falice’s tenure with PNC Bank appears to have ended, as her LinkedIn profile indicates she left the bank in April 2024. She is now working as a senior account executive for an IT hardware maintenance and support company based in Atlanta.
As the case progresses, it underscores critical conversations around diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace, illuminating the need for organizations to foster environments where all employees, regardless of their background, can aspire to achieve their professional goals without facing discrimination or bias.
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