Carlos M.Lopez, a nonbinary and transgender individual, has filed a civil lawsuit against Skild AI, a Pittsburgh-based artificial intelligence startup, alleging discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation, and disability.The lawsuit was filed in San Mateo County Superior Court and outlines a series of troubling incidents that occurred during Lopez's employment at the company, which is reportedly valued at $14 billion.
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ebar.comLopez was hired in August 2025 as a robot operator and data analyst.Shortly after beginning their role, the plaintiff displayed an LGBTQ Pride flag in the workplace.However, within days, the flag was removed and discarded by the company without any explanation.Following this incident, Lopez began wearing an LGBTQ Pride pin to make their identity more visible, which the lawsuit claims resulted in a noticeable change in treatment compared to their peers.
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ebar.comAccording to the complaint, Lopez faced increased scrutiny and was assigned more challenging tasks without adequate training or support.They were also excluded from critical meetings and passed over for promotions in favor of less experienced colleagues.Additionally, Lopez raised concerns about safety hazards at the San Mateo facility, including a lack of necessary safety equipment for employees working with heavy machinery.These complaints were allegedly ignored by management.
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ebar.comOn September 25, 2025, Lopez reported a workplace injury after sustaining a finger laceration while working with a 3D printed item.In response, the company issued a written warning of termination, which Lopez's lawsuit claims violated Skild AI's own policies that require verbal warnings prior to written ones.The situation escalated when, on October 2, Lopez suffered a severe workplace injury in the men's restroom due to a broken toilet seat, which caused a concussion and required medical treatment.
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ebar.comThe complaint details a humiliating response from Skild AI management following the injury.Lopez was allegedly forced to reenact the accident for a supervisor, who reportedly laughed during the incident, further exacerbating the trauma experienced by Lopez while they were still recovering from the head injury.The lawsuit also highlights the discrimination Lopez faced due to their disabilities, which included polycystic kidney disease and neurodivergent conditions such as anxiety and sensory processing issues.
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ebar.comDespite assurances from the company that accommodations would be made for Lopez's disabilities, the lawsuit claims that management instead subjected them to mockery and derogatory comments regarding their restroom needs.Witnesses reportedly documented comments made by supervisors that belittled Lopez's requests for accommodations, further contributing to a hostile work environment.
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ebar.comLopez's attorneys from Laurel Employment Law have not provided additional comments regarding the case, and Skild AI has not responded to requests for comment on the allegations.The lawsuit presents a significant challenge for the company, especially in light of recent legal precedents affirming protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, as established in the landmark Bostock v.Clayton County case .
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eeoc.govAs the legal process unfolds, a case management conference is scheduled for June, which will determine the next steps in the lawsuit.The outcome of this case could have implications not only for Lopez but also for workplace policies regarding LGBTQ+ individuals and those with disabilities in the tech industry and beyond.
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ebar.comThe case underscores the ongoing challenges faced by nonbinary and transgender individuals in the workplace, particularly in sectors like technology, where inclusivity has often lagged behind other industries.Advocates for LGBTQ+ rights hope that the lawsuit will bring greater awareness to these issues and prompt changes in company policies that promote a more inclusive and supportive work environment for all employees.
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ebar.comThe situation continues to evolve, and stakeholders will be closely monitoring the developments in this high-profile case as it highlights the need for accountability in workplace discrimination and the importance of protecting marginalized employees from unfair treatment.
