Senior broadcasting professional sues U of H, alleges age discrimination

A Harris County woman brought a lawsuit against her former employer for alleged discrimination and retaliation in 2011.

Zanetta Kelley filed suit against University of Houston – Houston Public Media (PBS) in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas May 14, claiming violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act in November 2011.

Kelley, 75, was hired by the defendant in August 2008. The filing indicates that Kelley became aware of an alleged salary discrepancy between herself and a younger male colleague in late 2011.

According to the suit, the plaintiff raised the issue to supervisors but was informed that the situation would not be rectified. The complaint cites incidents of harassment beginning in November 2011 involving poor evaluations, verbal profanity, unwarranted micromanagement of her tasks, and escalating provocation.

Allegedly, her complaint to the University’s HR department went unheeded. Diagnosed with a stress-related illness in late September 2014, Kelley asserts that she resigned her position on Sept. 30, 2014 due to a hostile working environment.

Claiming age discrimination, interference with her current clientele, and substantial lost income, the plaintiff claims that the defendant’s acts of retaliation have caused her health to further deteriorate.

Citing mental pain and anguish along with damage to her credibility and employability, Kelley seeks actual damages; compensation for back and front pay; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorney’s fees; expenses, and costs.

She is represented by Ellen Sprovach and Gregg Rosenberg of Rosenberg & Sprovach of Houston.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case 4:15-cv-01303