Texas City waste management worker sues over racial discrimination

GALVESTON - Alleging the city of Texas City targeted him for racial discrimination, Isaiah Ricks has filed a lawsuit. 

Recent court papers submitted Dec. 20 in the Galveston Division of the Southern District of Texas claim Ricks, an African American, "suffered disparate treatment."

The defendant hired the plaintiff in March 1995 as a laborer in its waste management division.

Ricks explains that he was mistreated by the head of the department, stating the latter freely used a racial epithet when talking to him.

Because of the apparent perception that the superior "created the impression that city leadership would side with him where any differences may arise", the complainant and others were afraid to field open complaints, the suit says.

The complainant further states said superior defaced his new pickup truck by "attaching exaggerated silver/chrome detail without the knowledge or permission of the plaintiff," which the original petition insists was a derogatory act.

Ricks accuses the respondent of not taking appropriate action when his supervisor did not properly accommodate him after he suffered an injury and allowing the administrator "to exert his influence to the discomfort and concern of the plaintiff".

He argues the supposed mistreatment is ongoing.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Keryl L. Douglas with The Law Office of Keryl L. Douglas in Houston is representing Ricks.

Case No. 3:12-CV-370