The Way Training Center and its director Gerard Morgan have filed a federal lawsuit against the city of Jennings and its mayor alleging civil rights violations and harassment by city officials.

Officials are also accused of trespassing on the center’s property and making malicious statements about its director, according to a 52-page lawsuit filed on Jan. 9 in the U.S District Court of the Western District by Lake Charles attorney James E. Sudduth III. It names the city and Mayor Henry Guinn as defendants.

The city is being represented by NeunerPate attorneys at law in Lafayette.

The suit alleges violations of civil rights, the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act, Americans with Disabilities Act, and the Fourth and 14th Amendments of the U.S. Constitution.

It seeks unspecified damages, including attorney fees and injunctive relief, through a jury trial.

Guinn and City Attorney Wendell Miller have informed the American Press the city is unable to comment on active litigation. They emphasized that the city must adhere to all zoning, building and safety codes, including a state law requiring that no repairs or renovations be made to a structure until plans have been submitted and reviewed by the Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office. To date, no official plans for The Way have been submitted to the city or the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

The suit stems from an ongoing dispute between the city and The Way, a non-profit faith-based sober living facility for those struggling with addiction, regarding its potential location in Jennings.

The Way’s acquisition of the former Jennings Guest House nursing home at 203 S. Louise Street last February, with the intent to relocate its male students from its Crowley location, has unfortunately encountered significant challenges. The community and city leaders’ opposition to the necessary rezoning, based on concerns about potential negative impacts on the neighborhood, has created a stalemate.

Despite Guinn’s alternative location offers, including the former National Guard Army, the extensive repairs required at those sites have made them unfeasible for The Way, according to Morgan. The resulting lawsuit highlights the ongoing difficulties The Way has faced in obtaining necessary permits and approvals, which it alleges are due to discriminatory practices based on religious association.

The suit alleges that the city has repeatedly obstructed The Way’s efforts to rezone and repair the property. This obstruction includes refusing to grant building permit applications, failing to clarify permit application requirements, and refusing to recognize The Way as a religious organization. Furthermore, the suit claims the city has attempted to impose stricter regulations on The Way due to their religious affiliation and has threatened them with litigation.

Additionally, the suit accuses the city of discriminating against prospective students of The Way by preventing individuals with disabilities from participating in their programs and services.

Finally, the suit alleges that the city has conducted illegal, unauthorized entry and searches of The Way’s South Louise property. It is claimed that city officials and individuals working on their behalf entered the locked building to inspect for asbestos without notification or authorization from The Way.

The suit also alleges that Guinn publicly posted false and misleading statements about Morgan and The Way on Facebook.

Additionally, Morgan has filed a complaint with the Louisiana Ethics Board. The complaint alleges that zoning board members, former mayor Terry Duhon and Cy Sittig, violated state law by participating in discussions and voting on the rezoning request when they live near the property and have an economic interest. The Ethics Board is scheduled to hear this complaint on Feb. 6 in Baton Rouge.

The Zoning Commission voted 6-2 to recommend that the city deny the rezoning request last January. A subsequent measure to rezone the property and overturn the Zoning Commission’s decision failed before the city council.