Home Depot worker sues for alleged discrimination

An employee brought action against a major home improvement company for allegedly violating her civil rights in 2013.

Sandra A. Felton, of Dallas, filed against Home Depot U.S.A. Inc. in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas on May 6, claiming racial and gender discrimination in March 2013.

Felton was hired by Home Depot to work in its Houston location in or around April 2009. According to the lawsuit, she discovered that another employee was earning more than she was despite her greater experience. She complained in November 2012 to her general manager and to human resources.

The plaintiff was assigned to assist another store team in Georgia in or around January 2013. Upon her return to Houston, on or about Feb. 8, 2013, Felton was terminated, the complaint cites, for the reason that she had created a hostile work environment for an associate during the trip to Georgia.

Felton, who is African-American, filed a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on March 4, 2013, asserting that her employer discriminated against her regarding pay because of her race and gender; and retaliated against her for complaining.

Citing intentional interference with her work performance, the plaintiff seeks: injunctive relief; compensatory and punitive damages; back pay; front pay or reinstatement; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney’s fees; expenses; and costs. Felton is represented by Ray Jackson of the Jackson Law Firm in Dallas; and Katrina Patrick of the Law Offices of Katrina Patrick in Houston.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas case no. 4:15-cv-01215.