SHERMAN - A former employee with the city of Sherman has filed a lawsuit claiming he was terminated for not acting as an English-to-Spanish translator for a contract job.
Francisco Garcia filed suit against city of Sherman on March 21 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.
Garcia was employed by the city for approximately 24 years in the parks department, code enforcement department and the water department. At the time of his termination, he was employed in the parks department.
According to the allegations, Garcia's supervisor told him that he needed to serve as a translator from English to Spanish for a contract job. Garcia declined, explaining that he was not comfortable enough in Spanish to translate for a contract job.
Garcia further states that his job duties as a laborer did not include translation.
He received a letter of termination on March 26, 2010, that explained the action was based on Garcia's refusal to obey his supervisor's directives.
Garcia argues he was a victim of racial discrimination and his termination violated his civil rights.
The plaintiff is seeking damages for mental anguish, punitive damages, attorney's fees, court costs and interest.
Garcia is represented by Sherman attorney Ronald R. Huff.
A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell is assigned to the case.
Case No. 4:11-cv-00144