Naked Truth

A Fight Against Racism, Religious Discrimination, and Retaliation in My Federal Government Career

Non-Fiction - Memoir
318 Pages
Reviewed on 05/16/2023
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Author Biography

Jean D. Francis, Ph.D., served as financial and budget management expert with top-tier government agencies to include: the Department of Defense (DOD) Pentagon, Department of Interior (DOI), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and the Department of Labor (DOL), managing and executing budgets ranging from $581 million to $7 Billion, annually, serving the United States Government from 1989-2014. Dr. Francis is a graduate of University of Maryland, and Capella University. She is enthusiastic about teaching and mentoring others on becoming the best version of themselves. She is the Founder and CEO of JELI Management Company, LLC and currently serves as Adjunct Professor at the American Public University Systems (APUS). Dr. Francis is the behind-the-scenes go-to marketing advisor and educator for top business professionals, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. She enjoys traveling, cooking, decorating, and spending time with her family.

    Book Review

Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite

Naked Truth: A Fight Against Racism, Religious Discrimination, and Retaliation in My Federal Government Career is a memoir written by Jean D. Francis, Ph.D., that offers readers an intimate and insightful perspective on workplace discrimination within the U.S. federal government. In the lead-up to the premature end of a respectable career, the professional autobiography of Dr. Francis' career in the federal government starts with how she found her way into civil service, and the delicate balancing act of flourishing within her own profession alongside her husband's in the military. Eighteen years on and Dr. Francis had worked for various government agencies, all ultimately culminating in abuses of power stemming from systemic discrimination, racism, and unlawful retaliation. The subsequent seven years were characterized by a relentless battle against a government machine that felt like it was anything but for the people, and just who the people it appeared to really be for were. “I am a warrior for justice to the end. I have a strong fighting spirit hardwired in my DNA. I gain strength from knowing that my ancestors struggled and survived against much worse atrocities that threatened to destroy them. But they never give up.”

As a man of color who works in the civil service and who grew up as the first generation in my family not to have been born under colonial rule, Naked Truth by Jean D. Francis, Ph.D. is the book that I never previously would have allowed myself to read, but in the current political and social climate found that it was necessary. First of all, putting blinders on was not a great move and I'm so grateful that Dr. Francis came along when I was ready to remove them. Throughout the entire book, it felt like she was speaking directly to me. The work on its own is persuasive and Dr. Francis is clearly a profoundly honest and straightforward professional, but not everyone is going to take her word for it. Well, Dr. Francis kept the receipts. From documented proof of accomplishments that were intentionally left off performance evaluations to emails that contradict the assertions of different officials by their own hand, all of Dr. Francis' complaints have strong legs to stand on. In addition to what transpired, readers are also provided with what should have happened and how to do better in the future. Overall, this is an exceptional memoir with teeth. Very highly recommended.

Grace Ruhara

If the roles were reversed and you were the one being discriminated against because of your race, class, gender, or religion, how would you feel? Naked Truth by Jean D. Francis, Ph.D. is an accurate account of Jean’s experiences of racism and religious intolerance as a Federal Government employee. Jean worked hard and devoted her life to offering quality service to her employers, slowly climbing the ladder of professional success. Jean had the opportunity to work with different agencies that provided her with considerable experience that could advance her career. Unfortunately, she was blocked when she started working at the DOL as the budget formulation and implementation chief. She was subjected to a hostile working environment and unprofessional conduct, making it impossible for her to perform her duties. As a result, she became stressed, had sleeping problems, fell into depression, and suffered anxiety attacks. Feeling defeated and disgruntled she decided to resign, but not without a fight.

Many individuals will resonate with the experience of Jean D. Francis, Ph.D. They may be facing the same issues in their working environment but decided to refrain from speaking out to avoid losing everything. Jean’s story will give them hope, courage, and the motivation to fight for their rights to end corporate discrimination. Her story can create awareness by disclosing the challenges and incidences of racial prejudice prevailing in most human resource departments today. As a result, it is a rallying call for the necessary policies to be implemented to achieve equality in the workplace. I recommend Naked Truth to readers facing discrimination in any form, as it will encourage them to speak up for themselves.

K.C. Finn

Naked Truth: A Fight Against Racism, Religious Discrimination, and Retaliation in My Federal Government Career is a work in the memoir, social issues, and government and politics subgenres. It is suitable for the general adult reading audience and is penned by Jean D. Francis, Ph.D. As the title suggests, the work explores the author's life in her capacity as a government worker across various agencies in the United States. Despite her wealth of educational achievement and obvious talent in these roles, it details the discrimination and outdated thinking of those around her that caused her to undergo additional hardships on her road to success.

Jean D. Francis has a lot of insight and experience in this fascinating read, which will be especially interesting for people seeking to work in government who come from anything other than a typical background of bygone times. Whether you’re part of that world or not, the discrimination and backlash that Francis experienced are deeply resonant in many other fields and places today. Francis writes with outstanding clarity and accessibility for those who may not immediately relate to her struggles. Her intellect and capability are apparent in the confidence and accomplishments of the narrative skill, but there’s also a warmth underpinning the work that it makes it feel as though a wise new friend is teaching you these valuable life lessons. Overall, Naked Truth is highly recommended for fans of memoirs everywhere, so don’t miss out.

Foluso Falaye

Naked Truth by Jean D. Francis, Ph.D., follows the discrimination she experienced during her federal government career. Jean's troubles began when she faced opposition for observing Sabbath hours on weekends. Her time at work became a living hell because she was the subject of hateful behavior from some of her coworkers, resulting in sleepless nights and intense anxiety. She experienced discrimination in different government agencies until the end of her career. Jean did not let this situation destroy her faith in God; she prayed even in the stormiest moments. After a tough legal battle against her work bullies, Jean writes about the scars she bears from her government experience to enlighten others and shine a light on a serious issue of injustice and discrimination in the US workplace.

If the author's detailed recollections of her conversations don't convince you of the unfair treatment she experienced as a Black woman working in different government agencies, you will be won over by the book's references to data and statistical findings from such reputable sources as Forbes and the EEOC. Jean displays an admirable trait throughout her ordeal—maintaining her relationship with God. Naked Truth is filled with several biblical messages encouraging spending time with God and the scriptures in all situations. This well-written, heart-rending story reminds women facing workplace discrimination that they're not alone. It's saddening that Jean's hard work was rewarded with ridicule and prejudicial behavior. This shouldn't be happening in 2023.

Courtnee Turner Hoyle

Naked Truth is a memoir by Jean D. Francis, Ph.D. After holding several positions in US Departments, the author was offered a position in the Department of Labor. Despite a sound education and an unblemished career, she endured discrimination, bullying, and outright threats centering around her religious needs, family time, and race. Francis was satisfied with the requirements of her job, but she was unhappy with the baseless reprimands and unstable work environment. Unfortunately, the situation was so severe that Francis was forced to seek legal counsel.

Jean D. Francis, Ph.D. gives a thorough background, showing her strength in family and faith. Readers will be aghast as they read about the discrimination Francis, a highly educated, well-established government employee, endured. The book can be viewed as a memoir as it details Francis’s life through a considerable turning point in her career. Sadly, even though she tried to get another job, her supervisors held her back by poorly rating her excellent performance. Francis’s quest to hold individuals accountable for their less-than-equal treatment is commendable although it caused a financial and personal drain on her. Still, their behavior did not break her spirit, and her positivity is a shining example. Francis is a brave woman who has taken a stand against discrimination and harsh workplace conditions and has managed to come out on the other side to bravely share her story. Naked Truth is a great selection for readers who may have experienced workplace discrimination and others who have had relatable experiences.

Diana Lopez

Jean D. Francis Ph.D. comes from a family with strong Christian principles and has a genuine passion for learning and supporting her loved ones. Her level of education is exceptional because she tries to stay current. Throughout her career, she has held prominent government positions, thanks to her outstanding preparation. However, she faced a serious case of employment discrimination in recent years. Even during difficult times, she maintained an objective mind and acted wisely to combat injustice. Jean shares her faith in God and does her best to raise her voice to make the truth known. For this reason, she took legal steps and pursued her case to motivate others who face similar situations to take action. Naked Truth is a true story of the struggle for equality.

I liked Naked Truth because it teaches us the importance of not accepting discrimination or a toxic work environment. The story is impressive. Many people will be able to identify with the case. I loved the fact that Jean D. Francis Ph.D. gave a complete overview. She not only shares her work experience, but she also mentions family togetherness. Her personal experiences help you understand her motivations. She narrates stories from her childhood, when her grandmother Nana taught her to value faith and good manners, and also describes the support of her family. She also shows how some of the people she expected to support her turned out to be unreliable. The narrative has clear language and is interesting at all times. It shows how the family and professional environments need to be balanced, and that you must establish priorities. This memoir is an opportunity to reflect, find inspiration, and be encouraged to improve as individuals and as a society.

Jamie Michele

Naked Truth by Jean D. Francis, Ph.D. is a memoir that chronicles the author's rise through the civil service with multiple agencies and later its downfall. Dr. Francis describes her deep pride and commitment to her work, but also the painful treatment she experienced in the workplace, leading to depression and strain on her family. She is continually demeaned, her opinions and ideas are disregarded and/or stolen, is demoted in an orchestrated and humiliating fashion, and is openly persecuted for her faith. Despite these challenges, she continued to perform her job diligently and took the traditional route by filing a formal complaint against the supervisor and colleagues. Dr. Francis continually sought remedies for the harm done to her career and reputation, finding strength in her ancestors' resilience and faith, and in the support of her family.

Naked Truth by Jean D. Francis, Ph.D. is a perpetual test of self-restraint for a reader to refrain from screaming and throwing the book at the wall in frustration. I desperately wish I had the elegance and grace of Dr. Francis who over and over and over again hopes for change but is, at every turn, short-changed in a career that falls short of those hopes. She was a civil servant, employed by us, the taxpayer, and we should be angry. I am. Dr. Francis writes in a clear voice exactly what her obstacles are and readers will see just as clearly that her complaints are valid. A lengthy career that she gave her professional life to was destroyed and the people in positions of power who could have fixed this decided instead to belittle her, gaslight her....and then offer her a settlement because that's exactly what employers do when they know they are in the right, right? There are moments in the book that will give smiles. Photographs and stories of Dr. Francis' family are lovely, and her unwavering faith in God is noteworthy. I thank the author for her bravery and for sharing her story.

Adanna Ora

Jean D. Francis has always been a hard worker who strove for excellence. When a job opportunity became available at the United States Department of Labor as the budget formulation and implementation chief, Jean thought this was another step in climbing the career ladder. Little did she know the job would lead to one of the most traumatizing experiences of her life. She experienced attacks and discrimination about her faith, race, integrity, and work skills. She also witnessed conspiracies and efforts to harm her image and reputation. Jean is determined to fight this, even if it means standing up to the establishment. Naked Truth by Jean Francis is about survival against toxic workplace environments. In Naked Truth, Jean Francis takes control of her story and the truth.

Jean D. Francis takes us through many emotions in Naked Truth. We feel her anger, sadness, joy, shame, grief, and hope. We see the effects of what a toxic workplace can do and the need to speak out. I commend the author, especially for the effort and work she put into writing Naked Truth. This shows in the investigation reports and court proceeding excerpts. I enjoyed the fine blend of Jean’s life through her writing. She takes readers through almost every aspect of her life to achieve her book’s goal. I also love the idea behind Naked Truth—to give people in toxic work environments a voice, let them know they are not alone, and ensure they do not repeat the same mistakes she made. Jean D. Francis is a fantastic writer, and I hope she continues to bless us with her talent. Naked Truth is a must-read and an invaluable book for one's career.

Haiqa Munir

Naked Truth: A Fight Against Racism, Religious Discrimination, and Retaliation in My Federal Government Career by Jean D. Francis Ph.D. is a powerful and thought-provoking memoir that sheds light on the important issues of racism, discrimination, and retaliation inside the federal government. The author shares her personal experiences with these systemic problems, providing a candid account. Jean describes her experiences with honesty and authenticity. She fearlessly exposes the discrimination and challenges she faced during her career, giving readers a perspective on the injustices that exist within the system. The narrative is raw and emotional, allowing readers to connect with the author's struggles and empathize with her journey.

This memoir offers valuable insights into the complexities of racism and religious discrimination in the workplace. Jean D. Francis Ph.D. delves into the institutional biases and the impact these issues have had on her personal and professional life. By sharing specific instances and details, the author effectively highlights the effects of discrimination on individuals and organizations. The memoir serves as a call to action and a catalyst for change. The author's resilience and determination in fighting against these injustices will inspire readers to reflect on their attitudes and actions. It prompts important conversations about the need for equality, diversity, and inclusivity within institutions and society at large. Naked Truth serves as a valuable resource for raising awareness, fostering empathy, and inspiring change in the pursuit of equality and justice. This memoir is a valuable contribution to the ongoing dialogue on these important social issues.

Tammy Ruggles

Naked Truth: A Fight Against Racism, Religious Discrimination, and Retaliation in My Federal Government Career by Jean D. Francis pulls back the curtain to reveal how the author faced racism, discrimination, and corrupt retaliation from her employer after years of hard work and devotion. That employer was the federal government. She worked in different agencies, but it ended abruptly and bitterly. Jean thought the government was a place to safeguard against such practices, but she explains how mistaken she was. She decided to use her dark experiences to shed light on this broken betrayal system to help others and try to end such practices and abuses.

As you read this book, you will realize how dedicated and accomplished the author was during her career and how real she seems. The magnitude of her treatment will make you gasp and wonder if the same thing could happen to you. Her story will evoke an emotional response, but hopefully, you can use the information within these pages to prevent or correct such a negative and bullying work situation. Jean has a personable style that draws you in and conveys suspense as her journey unfolds. You would think this the last place religious and racial intolerance would exist, but her accounts ring true. The author must have gone through pain relaying the accounts, but it is for our benefit. For a courageous book and exposé on abuse and racism in the workplace sure to inspire others, don't miss Naked Truth by Jean D. Francis.

Rabia Tanveer

Naked Truth: A Fight Against Racism, Religious Discrimination, and Retaliation in My Federal Government Career by Jean D. Francis, Ph.D. is a memoir that recounts the racial discrimination the author suffered after serving the government all her life. Jean D. Francis worked for various government agencies for almost two decades, and that was when she had enough of the inequality and racism that seemed deeply entrenched in the system. Systematic discrimination was always an issue, but it became too much when Jean started working for the DOL and faced discrimination like never before. Depression, insomnia, anxiety, and stress were her constant companions. Her only option was to resign and escape the toxic environment, but she didn’t work that hard to leave without a fight.

You don’t have to be black or from a marginalized community to understand what Dr. Jean D. Frances discusses in Naked Truth. She suffered, fought, and then decided to do something about it. The narrative style was comforting, and I felt like I was talking to a friend. Her story became my story, and before I knew it, I was too absorbed to stop. Jean did a fantastic job of collecting data and gave us a solid argument on which to base future references. Surprisingly, this memoir was not bashing the government or cursing a particular political agenda. It was about a woman’s fight to be treated equally, as she had no one but God. I was surprised by the biblical messages in the narrative but felt they were just as integral to the narrative as Jean’s story. I would highly recommend this memoir to anyone who is going through racial injustice and discrimination.