Male nurse files gender discrimination suit

SHERMAN-After losing his job without an explanation, a male licensed vocational nurse has filed suit against his former employer, claiming they fired him based on his gender.

Mark Murray filed suit against Mental Health Mental Retardation Services of Texoma on May 28 in the Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas.

The plaintiff accuses the defendant of violations of the Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and violations of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

According to the lawsuit, Murray began working for the defendant on Feb. 16, 2009, and terminated approximately six months later.

Murray claims that shortly after his hiring, his position became so stressful that he was forced to seek medical help for acute stress and migraine headaches.

He states that under normal staffing requirements, the department requires two nurses and one certified medication aide, but he was the only nurse in the department during the majority of his employment.

Murray states he was not given a reason for his termination, and his supervisors only referenced employment "at will" provisions. During his employment, Murray was not written up or counseled for poor performance.

According to court records, Murray was replaced by a female.

Murray is seeking an award for mental anguish, punitive damages, attorney's fees, costs of court, interest and for his actual damages sustained.

Sherman attorney Ronald R. Huff is representing the plaintiff. Jury trial requested.

U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider is assigned to the litigation.

Case No. 4:10cv00272