Editor's note. The Record has been notified that the allegations in the suit have been dropped. Court records show the case was closed in February 2016. The original article is below.
A female employee has sued her employers, alleging unlawful workplace discrimination
Jacquelyn Johnson filed a lawsuit May 26, 2015 against: K. Cody Patel; Superior Diagnostics Inc.; and Pulmonary Rx,, all of Houston, in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas, alleging civil rights violations in 2013.
According to the complaint, Johnson, an African-American, was hired by the defendants to run its Houston sleep center from Nov. 11, 2013 until Dec. 31, 2013. The suit says she was exposed to a pattern of discrimination and harassment based on her race and gender.
The complaint alleges several instances of remarks containing racial and ethnic slurs, and Johnson states Patel accused her of stealing, that he engaged in sexual harassment, and he created harsh work conditions. After she complained to a supervisor, the plaintiff says, the hostility increased and she felt forced to quit her job.
The plaintiff cites racial discrimination, a hostile work environment, sexual harassment, and retaliation, and vicarious liability for all defendants and states that the actions were committed willfully.
Johnson seeks compensatory, punitive, liquidated and unliquidated damages, attorney fees, expenses and costs. She is represented by attorneys Don Nguyen and Dasean Jones of Jones & Associates in Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number: 4:15-cv-01405.