SHERMAN-A female firefighter has filed a lawsuit against Highland Village, claiming she lost her job due to making complaints of sexual harassment and sexual discrimination.
Barbara Cook filed suit against city of Highland Village on Sept. 23 in Denton County District Court. The defendant removed the case to the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division on Oct. 20.
Cook filed internal grievances and a charge with the Texas Commission on Human Rights in August 2008. She states she was terminated from her position in retaliation for the complaints on Nov. 21, 2008.
According to the allegations, Cook was terminated from her position while she was on Family and Medical Leave, after having been placed on C shift which she states made child care impossible.
The defendant is accused sexual harassment and retaliation under the Texas Labor Code and violations of the Family and Medical Leave Act.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for back pay, reinstatement or front pay, lost employment benefits, compensatory damages, punitive damages, liquidated damages, attorney's fees and interest.
Cook is represented by Steven B. Thorpe and Carla Hatcher of Thorpe, Hatcher & Washington in Dallas.
U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell is assigned to the case.
Case No. 4:10-cv-00560-RAS
Firefighter sues Highland Village for sexual harassment
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