Lawsuit alleges Booz Allen refused to retain Harris Co. woman because of gender

HOUSTON - Complaining that Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. refused to retain her because of her gender, Harris County resident Anne Buckingham pursues legal action.

Recent court documents filed Feb. 14 in Houston federal court explain that the defendant did not consider Buckingham for another position after her work contract expired, but offered a job to a male colleague in a similar situation.

According to its website, McLean, Va., based Booz Allen provides consulting services to government agencies, corporations, institutions and nonprofit organizations throughout the world and has been in business for more than 98 years.

Buckingham worked at the company from February 2000 to February 2011.

At the time of the alleged events which led to the litigation, she was a Level 3 associate who worked closely with the Department of Homeland Security in Houston.

A lack of funding caused Buckingham's group to end its relationship with the DHS so the respondent placed her on what it called a six-week "on the beach" waiting period, during which she not compensated but was allowed to seek other positions within the company for which she was qualified.

On or around Feb. 25, 2011, a male colleague emailed Buckingham that their mutual supervisor at Booz Allen had contacted him with a job offer from DHS.

The colleague also told Buckingham that he asked the supervisor whether Buckingham would be offered a position, but was allegedly informed "she would not be interested in the travel because she has five children" and "was just happy being a mom," the original petition states.

The suit asserts the plaintiff's domestic responsibilities had no bearing on her ability or willingness to travel for work, stating the colleague himself reportedly cited being a parent as a reason for turning down a travel assignment in the past.

A jury trial is requested.

Attorney Andrew S. Golub with Dow Golub Remels & Beverly LLP in Houston is representing Buckingham.

Case No. 4:13-CV-392