Lawsuit: JoS A. Bank fired woman for complaining about racial discrimination, sexual harassment

HOUSTON - A clothing retailer is accused of racial discrimination and sexual harassment by a former employee, recent court documents say.

Arlene Gomez filed a lawsuit against JoS A. Bank Clothiers Inc. on Aug. 19 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas, claiming the defendant mistreated her because she is a black female.

Gomez complained about the alleged misconduct only to be terminated, the suit says.

The company hired her as a sales executive at its store in Houston's River Oaks Shopping Center.

According to the plaintiff, some of her fellow sales executives launched racially derogatory comments in her direction while others made unwanted sexual advances toward her.

She states that rather than help her solve the problem, the store manager began "mercilessly harassing her" until her eventual termination. Gomez also claims the district manager chose not to take action because the River Oaks branch manager "was one of his favorite store managers."

The suit further asserts an internal "investigation" took place that apparently did not end in Gomez's favor as JoS A. Bank fired her last March 29.

It adds the subject events "seriously" aggravated the complainant's asthma.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Bruce A. Coane of Coane and Associates PLLC in Houston is representing Gomez.

Case No. 4:13-CV-2422