HOUSTON - A former black employee has filed a suit against LGI Homes Ltd. and LGI Homes Group LLC, claiming his grievances stemming from racial discrimination brought forth his termination.
Recent court documents filed Sept. 7 in the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division assert Dyke N. Robinson, a African American male, experienced mistreatment on the job as opposed to his white counterparts prior to his dismissal.
The defendants hired Robinson as a new home salesperson in November 2010.
The suit alleges they placed conditions on Robinson's work procedures and parameters "that were not placed on other salespeople, none of whom was a black male or female, and, upon information and belief, each of whom was a white male, including that the plaintiff was not allowed to show or sell homes to prospective buyers during the week, though other salespeople were allowed to do so."
Robinson adds his colleagues made a large percentage of their sales during the week while he was relegated to administrative work and calls during the week, and was permitted to show and sell properties only on the weekend.
He further adds the defendants' president of sales threatened him with physical violence, stating the superior said he would "put [his] foot up [the plaintiff's] [expletive]."
Afterwards, Robinson tendered his resignation to the human resources department, but the president of sales personally requested the plaintiff reconsider and continue working at LGI Homes to which he did.
The respondents, however, fired the complainant three weeks later on grounds "his sales were not meeting quota numbers."
According to Robinson, his work performance proved the opposite and the termination was out of retaliation for his complaints.
Consequently, the plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
Attorney Jakki A. Hansen with The Hansen Law Firm PC in Houston is representing Robinson.
Case No. 4:12-cv-2679
Man says home builder fired him because of race
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