Black bus drivers file discrimination suit against Kennard ISD

LUFKIN - Two African-American bus drivers have filed a lawsuit that claims that they lost their bus driving positions with Kennard ISD because of racial discrimination. 

Nadean Griffin and Jerry Smotherman filed suit against Kennard Independent School District on Sept. 7 in the Eastern District of Texas, Lufkin Division.

Griffin and Smotherman, both African-American, were terminated from their bus driving positions with the defendant on Aug. 11, 2011. According to the lawsuit, the plaintiffs were told that the change was “in the best interest of the school.”

Griffin states that the real reason for her termination from her bus driving position was race and gender discrimination.

Smotherman states his termination was based on racial discrimination.
The defendant is accused of violating Griffin and Smotherman’s civil rights.

The plaintiffs are seeking damages for mental, emotional, and psychological damages, lost pay, fringe benefits, back pay, front pay, attorney’s fees and court costs.

Griffin and Smotherman are represented by Alex A. Castetter of Stuckey, Garrigan & Castetter in Nacogdoches. A jury trial is requested.

Case No. 9:12-cv-00145