Tax preparer files race, religious discrimination lawsuit

TYLER - A seasonal tax preparer has filed a discrimination lawsuit claiming that she lost her job when she requested to attend training that did not occur on the Sabbath. 

Betty Taylor filed suit against H&R Block Enterprises on Dec. 17 in the Eastern District of Texas, Tyler Division.

For the previous twelve years, Taylor, an African-American female, was seasonally employed by the defendant as a tax preparer in the Longview office.

According to the lawsuit, she was terminated from her job when she requested that she be allowed to attend an alternative training class or date because the time she was initially assigned occurred on a Saturday, the day on which she observed the Sabbath.

The defendant is accused of discriminated against Taylor based on her race and religion.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for lost salary and wages, mental anguish, emotional distress, anxiety, loss of sleep, depression, attorney’s fees and court costs.

Taylor is represented by Longview attorney William J. Gardner. A jury trial is requested.

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

Case No. 6:12-cv-00937