Hospital employee sues for alleged retaliatory discrimination

HOUSTON -- A hospital worker brought a lawsuit against his employer on alleged grounds of racial discrimination in 2012.

Preston E. Reeves, of Spring, filed a complaint against St. Luke’s Hospital, The Vintage, of Houston, on May 11 in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, claiming racial harassment and retaliation starting in June 2012.

Reeves alleges that upon his transfer to St. Luke’s Vintage Hospital branch from the main medical center, he suffered harassment, threats, racial slurs and physical actions intended to demean and humiliate him. He reported the incidents to HR and was told there would be an investigation, according to the filing.

After Reeves took FMLA leave in August 2012 due to his mother’s death, the lawsuit states, he allegedly received correspondence in October 2012 suggesting that he voluntarily resign. He subsequently filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Opportunity Commission and received notice of the right to sue in February 2015.

The plaintiff cites violation of his civil rights and requests damages in the amount of $120,000; reinstatement to active employment in the same or equal position; pre- and post-judgment interest; attorneys' fees; expenses and costs.

Reeves is represented by Mitchell Katine of Katine and Nechman in Houston.

U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division, case no. 4:15-cv-01250.