Nonprofit Faces Lawsuit in Des Moines Over Discrimination
A former program coordinator alleges wrongful termination and harassment at the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants.
Updated on Oct. 30, 2026 in Human Resources
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Alaa Elqatary-Reelitz has filed a lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa against the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants. The complaint alleges she was denied four promotions and ultimately terminated after reporting discrimination to the CEO.
Why it matters
The legal action highlights significant allegations regarding internal workplace practices and bias within the organization's Des Moines office. Elqatary-Reelitz claims the entity engaged in discriminatory decision-making that harmed African, Muslim, Middle Eastern, and disabled persons.
The lawsuit identifies four specific job positions for which Elqatary-Reelitz claims she was passed over for promotion. The legal filing encompasses allegations of workplace conduct occurring over her tenure beginning in September 2023.
The players
Alaa Elqatary-Reelitz
She is the former program coordinator who filed the lawsuit after her termination.
U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
This organization operates a Des Moines office and maintains its headquarters in Virginia.
Azizullah Azam
He is a case manager assistant who is accused of harassing the plaintiff.
The details
The lawsuit alleges that case manager assistant Azizullah Azam harassed Elqatary-Reelitz and nearly struck her with his car. Furthermore, the complaint asserts that disabled clients were excluded from programs specifically to prioritize the rapid job placement of healthy individuals.
Timeline
September 2023: Alaa Elqatary-Reelitz began working as a program coordinator in Des Moines.
January 2024: Azizullah Azam was hired as a case manager assistant.
October 30, 2026: Details regarding the filed lawsuit were reported.
Market Landscape
This litigation highlights the ongoing challenges nonprofits face regarding internal equity and adherence to labor regulations. It positions the organization against broader industry standards for fair employment and inclusion policies within the humanitarian sector.
Residents and donors in the Des Moines area may observe changes in the operational structure of the organization as the litigation proceeds through the court. The case underscores the importance of transparency and grievance procedures for employees at non-profit service providers.
The takeaway
This case emphasizes the necessity for organizations to maintain rigorous oversight of internal interpersonal conduct and promotion processes. Legal disputes of this nature serve as a reminder for employees to document workplace concerns through formal, verified channels.
Further reading
Learn more about workplace policy standards in the Human Resources section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Iowacapitaldispatch.
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