Man accuses BP of racial discrimination

A Missouri City man has sued BP, alleging racial discrimination and retaliation when he was terminated.

Johnny Goff filed a lawsuit April 21 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against BP Wind Energy North America (also know as BP America Inc.).

The lawsuit states Goff is filing "to challenge race-based discrimination and retaliation as a consequence of making such complaints concerning the discriminatory practices of BP Wind Energy." It continues "these unlawful practices reflect that discrimination and retaliation for reporting and opposing discrimination are the standard operating procedure -- the norm or routine -- rather than the usual practices of BP."

The complaint states Goff, an African-American who graduated from West Point before entering the wind energy field as a systems engineer, began working for BP in September 2008, and received no reprimands for six years before being "wrongfully" fired Oct. 20, 2013. He cites specific white employees with the same duties and same tenure who received higher salaries.

After formally complaining, the lawsuit states, several BP executives began to retaliate verbally with racist replies, eventually firing him.

The plaintiff cites race and color discrimination, and retaliation.

Goff seeks BP to declare its practices unlawful; back and front pay and benefits; liquidated damages; actual and compensatory damages, as well as damages for past and future mental anguish and suffering; medical expenses; punitive and exemplary damages; court costs; witness fees; attorney fees; pre- and post-judgment interest; and any other relief the court deems relevant. He is represented by attorney Mickey L. Washington of Washington and Associates in Houston.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case number: 4:15-cv-01032