McCollum
MARSHALL - A woman claims she was fired for refusing to continue a relationship with her supervisor and has filed a lawsuit against the employer for gender discrimination.
Shanna Norsworthy filed suit against Nguyen Consulting & Services Inc., doing business as Winn Consulting & Services Inc., on July 17 in the Eastern District of Texas, Marshall Division.
Norsworthy was hired by the defendant on June 27, 2011, to provide administrative assistance to its Converse, La., facility. She claims that her supervisor requested that they continue a previous romantic relationship.
When she refused, the supervisor would retaliate by sending her home for the day or telling her not to come into work the following day. She was terminated by text message on Sept. 2, 2011, the suit states.
According to the lawsuit, the text messages show that she was terminated because there was no work and due to Norsworthy's lack of response to the supervisor's advances.
The defendant is accused of gender discrimination for sexual harassment, hostile work environment and retaliation. The defendant is also accused of negligent training, negligent retention and negligent supervision.
The plaintiff is seeking an award of $300,000 in damages for back pay, front pay, compensatory damages, punitive damages, attorney's fees, interest and court costs.
Norsworthy is represented by Warren T. McCollum of Fenley & Bate in Lufkin. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Rodney Gilstrap is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:12-cv-00406