College sued for age discrimination after executive secretary demoted

TYLER - A 60-year-old woman is suing an East Texas college after she was demoted from her position as executive secretary to the college president.

Claiming violations of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, Emma J. Robinson filed suit against Jarvis Christian College on Feb. 15 in the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division.

According to the lawsuit, Robinson began working at the college in 1975 as a secretary and received several promotions, culminating as executive secretary to the president.

Robinson claims she was an excellent employee and always received excellent evaluations. She was demoted to the position of administrative associate for Advanced Services effective July 1, 2010. The demotion cost Robinson more than $15,000 per year, she claims.

She alleges the executive secretary position was filled by an employee who is more than 15 years younger than Robinson, with less seniority and fewer qualifications. When Robinson asked for clarification as to why she was being demoted, she alleges the college president stated, "I am the President."

The Jarvis Christian College is accused of discriminated against Robinson because of her age in violation of federal and state law.

Robinson is seeking damages for back pay, front pay, lost income, reinstatement to former position, liquidated damages, statutory damages, interest, court costs and attorney fees.

She is represented by Curtis B. Stuckey of Stuckey, Garrigan & Castetter Law Offices in Nacogdoches. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 6:11-cv-00073