Older employee brings K&G to court alleging discrimination

A man brought a lawsuit against a retail outfit for alleged discrimination in 2013.

Kenneth Hoppens filed suit against K&G Men’s Company, d/b/a K&G Fashion Superstore of Dallas, in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas May 14, claiming specific infringements of employment law in September 2013.

Hoppens, 69, was employed by the defendant from April 5, 2004 until his dismissal on Sept. 6, 2013. The suit states that he was harassed and subjected to a hostile working environment, citing several quotes from co-workers referencing his age and race, such as “old white man” and that he was replaced by a 22-year-old Hispanic employee with no prior experience.

According to the suit, Hoppens was officially terminated on allegations of fraudulent activity, but he asserts that other employees went unpunished for theft, customer harassment and similar actions. He filed a complaint with the EEOC and the Texas Workforce Commission on or about July 2, 2014, maintaining that he was the victim of age and race discrimination.

The plaintiff alleges that the defendant has engaged in unlawful employment practices in violation of the ADEA and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Citing lost wages and benefits, emotional pain and impairment, mental anguish and disability, suffering, inconvenience, and loss of enjoyment of life, the plaintiff seeks compensatory and punitive damages in the form of back pay, promotion or front pay, pre- and post-judgment interest, attorney’s and experts’ fees, expenses and costs.

Hoppens is represented by Andrew L. Mintz of Houston.

Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case 4:15-cv-01297