Fired nutrition specialist accuses New Mt. Zion Baptist Church of having rodents, other insects in kitchen

The New Mount Zion Baptist Church allegedly fired an employer after the latter reported the unhealthy and unsafe condition of the kitchen at its childcare center. Image: Gift Habeshaw|Unsplash

The New Mount Zion Baptist Church in Dallas fired its nutrition specialist in August 2021 after the latter alleged that rodents, spiders, and other insects had infested its kitchen.

The WFAA reported that the church violated a law after it fired the employee illegally when it reported the unsafe and unhygienic conditions of the church's kitchen. 

Firing Employee for Reporting Unsafe, Unhygienic Conditions 

Due to allegations made by a nutrition specialist at the childcare center run by New Mount Zion Baptist Church, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) of the United States Department of Labor began looking into the allegations.

As reported by WFAA, OSHA claimed the church fired the employee in August 2021 after the employee disclosed the unsanitary kitchen condition. 

After conducting their inquiry, OSHA Whistleblower Protection Programs decided that the church violated the law by firing the nutrition specialist in retaliation for their protected activity in reporting hazardous and unhealthy conditions.

OSHA Regional Administrator Eric S. Harbin said that rodents and other insects in kitchens and dining halls' pose a serious health risk to those who use them.' Harbin continued that the employee was wrongfully terminated despite having a legal right to voice concerns about the unsanitary working conditions.

Per the report, OSHA mandated that New Mount Zion rehire the fired employee and pay back wages and damages for the unlawful termination.

WFAA said it tried to contact the church about the matter, but they declined to comment.

About New Mout Zion Baptist Church

New Mount Zion Baptist Church dates back to when five women contacted Rev. T.J. Jernigan about their interest in forming a Baptist congregation in the upper reaches of North Dallas.

According to the church's history, New Mount Zion was founded in the house of Bro. and Sis. William Suber in January 1946 by Sis. Callie Bonner, Sis. Armentra Bonner, Sis. Janie Suber, Sis. Eunice Suber, and Sis. Margaret Robertson. The five ladies attended Mount Pisgah Baptist Church on Preston Road, and Rev. Willie Moore led them in worship.

New Mount Zion Baptist Church was founded in 1983 under the leadership of Rev. T.J. Jernigan and the sponsorship of the Greater Rising Star District Association.

The congregation had to figure out how to make choices without a pastor in 1957 when Rev. T. J. Jernigan resigned.

Eventually, Rev. C.C. Anderson became the next pastor. Per the website, Anderson helped the church expand further. The church's financial stability, membership growth, and organizational vitality reached new heights.

New Mount Zion's fifth pastor, Dr. Tommy L. Brown, was called to the position in October 2014. Before joining the New Mount Zion congregation, Brown served in various capacities for over 25 years at the state and national levels. 

As a result of his leadership, New Mount Zion has developed and expanded.

Sunday School at New Mount Zion

New Mount Zion also offers ministries for all ages, including Sunday School for kids and adults.

Each week, students in grades elementary through intermediate attend Sunday School on the internet or by teleconference. The church also offers Adult Sunday School Classes starting at 8:55 a.m. 

Marriage Club, The Breakfast Club, Men's and Women's Classes are also part of the Sunday School at New Mount Zion Baptist Church. 

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