Vidor nursing home accused of racial discrimination

An African-American employee of a Vidor nursing home has filed a lawsuit that claims she was terminated due to complaints she made about racial discrimination.

Sylvia J. McIntosh filed suit against Oakwood Health Care Center Ltd. Co., doing business as Oakwood Manor Nursing Home, on May 3 in the Eastern District of Texas, Beaumont Division.

According to the suit, McIntosh was hired by the nursing home in December 2010. She states that she was subjected to unlawful harassment and employment practices throughout her employment.

McIntosh states that she had to endure repeated discriminatory comments by the staff and by management, including the use of derogatory racial slurs, the suit states.

She was terminated from the nursing home on Aug. 30, 2011, and alleges it was the result of her complaints about the racial discrimination.

The defendant is accused of intentionally discriminating against McIntosh because of her race in violation of her civil rights. Specifically, Oakwood Manor Nursing Home is accused of racially harassing, denying employment opportunities, treating McIntosh differently than other employees and terminating McIntosh due to her race.

The plaintiff is asking for an award of damages for back pay and benefits, reinstatement or if inappropriate, front pay, compensatory damages for emotional pain and suffering, inconvenience, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, exemplary damages, attorney's fees,and court costs.

McIntosh is represented by Kenneth W. Lewis and Stephen L. Townsend of Bush Lewis in Beaumont. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Thad Heartfield is assigned to the case.

Case No. 1:12-cv-00210