An African American nurse claims the Medical Center of Southeast Texas fired her because of her skin color, and has filed a suit against the hospital on allegations of racial discrimination.
Bernadine Julun-Jacobs filed suit against the Medical Center on April 30 in the Jefferson County District Court, claiming her white supervisor singled her out.
According to her suit, beginning March 2007, Julun-Jacobs was subjected to a hostile work environment and unfair discipline and treatment on account of her race.
"She was repeatedly singled out by her white supervisor … for alleged poor performance based on factors outside of plaintiff's control and for which similarly situated white employees were not criticized," the suit says.
"On April 10, 2007, plaintiff was transferred to the Telemetry Department, and on May 6, 2007, she was transferred to the Cardiac Rehabilitation department. On July 16, 2007, plaintiff was terminated by defendant, while many white employees with less seniority were retained," the suit states.
In addition, the plaintiff alleges the Medical Center intentionally engaged in unlawful employment practices involving Julun-Jacobs because of her race.
"The Medical Center of Southeast Texas engaged in racial discrimination against the plaintiff on the basis of race with malice or with reckless indifference to the state-protected rights of plaintiff," the suit said.
Julun-Jacobs is suing for exemplary damages, back and front pay, emotional pain, mental anguish, court costs and attorneys' fees.
She is demanding a trial by jury and is represented by attorney Clay Dugas.
Judge Gary Sanderson, 60th Judicial District, has been assigned to the case.
Case No. B181-688