Medical professional files discrimination suit

A healthcare expert brought is suing a university for allegedly violating her civil rights in a 2014 matter.

Rosario Mercado-Young filed against the University of Texas Medical Branch (UTMB) in Galveston and Annette Macias-Hoag of Harris County in Galveston County District Court on April 2, claiming discrimination and retaliation in June 2014.

Mercado-Young, who was employed by UTMB, cites protection as a class member under the Civil Rights Act of 1964 based on her national origin and religion. According to court documents, the defendant began to exhibit discriminatory behavior toward Mercado-Young after the plaintiff was promoted in 2010.

According to the complaint, Macias-Hoag tried to undermine the plaintiff’s authority and sabotage her performance record. Mercado-Young alleges that the defendant ridiculed her accent, background and ethics; and created situations designed to place blame on her.

The plaintiff contends that she received threatening emails and messages when she was off-duty, as well as when she took medical leave for surgery in early 2014. Attempts to resolve the matter with human resources were unsuccessful, according to the suit; and Mercado-Young was terminated on June 17, 2014.

Alleging harassment, unlawful discrimination and termination in violation of UTMB’s own policies, the plaintiff filed a claim jointly with the EEOC and the Texas Workforce Commission. She cites a hostile work environment; discrimination against her national origin and religion; violation of state labor code; retaliation; and discrimination.

The plaintiff seeks: compensatory and exemplary damages for back and front pay and lost future earnings; reinstatement exclusive of direct contact with defendant Macias-Hoag; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney’s and expert witness fees; expenses and costs. Rosario Mercado-Young is represented by Trisha Barita and Carol Keough of Barita and Keough Law Firm in Houston.

Galveston County District Court case number 15-CV-0331.