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SHERMAN - The former general manager of a Jack in the Box in East Texas has filed a lawsuit against the restaurant alleging he was a victim of national origin and religious discrimination.
Claiming violations of his civil rights, Mohammed Sohail filed suit against Jack in the Box Inc. on Nov. 23 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.
Sohail is of Pakistani national origin and a Muslim and therefore asserts he is a member of protected groups within the meaning of Title VII.
Sohail states he was employed by Jack in the Box or its franchises for more than 20 years. He was transferred to the restaurant located in McKinney in order to help increase its performance, the suit states.
According to the lawsuit, when transferred to this location, Sohail's supervisor continuously referred to Sohail with derogatory names like "camel jockey."
Although Sohail complained about the conduct, the supervisor continued the discriminatory actions.
The supervisor was promoted into a position that included auditing Sohail's store. Sohail alleges his store failed an audit due to unwarranted point deductions. In April he was terminated for failing the re-inspection.
The defendant is accused of favoring Caucasian and non-Muslim workers, retaliating against Sohail for opposing discriminatory employment practices and for allowing the hostile work environment.
The plaintiff is asking for an award of back pay, front pay, retroactive seniority, pension benefits, bonus payments, health benefits, compensatory and punitive damages for mental anguish, humiliation, loss of privacy, loss of reputation and emotional distress, attorney's fees, court costs and interest.
Sohail is represented by Christine Neill and Jane Legler Byrne of Neill & Byrne.
Jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Michael H. Schneider is assigned to the case.
Case No. 4:10-cv-00646