Tyler man files discrimination lawsuit against employer claiming evaluation was racially motivated

TYLER - A Tyler resident has filed a lawsuit against his former employer claiming he was terminated from his job after complaining that a recent performance evaluation had been influenced by his race.

Claiming violations of his civil rights, Frederick Lynn Collins filed suit against Universal Cable Holdings Inc., doing business as Suddenlink Communications, on Aug. 10 in the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division.

The defendant is accused of intentionally discriminated against Collins because of his race in violation of his civil rights by failing to pay him at the same rate as white employees for the same work and position, by failing to treat his vacation the same as white employees, by using different standards in evaluating Collins and by terminating Collins based on race and in retaliation for his complaint about his most recent evaluation having racial influences.

The plaintiff is seeking damages for lost wages and benefits, loss of pension and retirement benefits, mental anguish, emotional distress, exemplary damages, attorney's fees and court costs.

Collins is represented by Kenneth W. Lewis of Bush Lewis in Beaumont. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 6:11-cv-00419