Woman accuses Houston schools of discrimination

A Harris County woman is suing over claims she was fired after complaining of a hostile work environment when she was injured on the job.

Frances D. Germany filed a lawsuit Oct. 27 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against Houston Independent School District, citing employment discrimination.

According to the complaint, Germany, while employed by the defendant, slipped and fell at work and sustained a debilitating injury that required the assistance of crutches. The complaint states when Germany's doctor released her to return to work with restrictions on her physical demands, the defendant had her sign a 30-day “bona fide” in relation to her continued employment, which included modified duties based on her disability, with an optional 30-day extension.

Germany says the defendant created a hostile work environment, demoting and humiliating her because of her reduced workload and, ultimately, discharging her.

The lawsuit states that after Germany filed a grievance against the defendant she was repeatedly berated and derided for participating in the grievance process. The defendant is accused of violating the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act, employment discrimination and retaliation.

Germany seeks actual, exemplary and compensatory damages, including back pay (wages and benefits), reinstatement, and front pay, attorney fees, interest and court costs.

She is represented by attorney DaSean A. Jones of Houston.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number: 4:14-CV-03078