African American files discrimination lawsuit against East Texas employer

SHERMAN - A black man from Texas has filed a national origin discrimination lawsuit against his East Texas employer claiming he was a victim of discrimination which ultimately resulted in his resignation.

Jerome Pearce filed suit against Bluebonnet Contractors on Feb. 19 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

Pearce, an African American, was hired by the defendant on Jan. 23, 2012, and claims he was discriminated against and retaliated against on the basis of his race and national origin.

The unfair treatment he experienced included being reprimanded for driving a forklift without certification, although Hispanic employees were allowed to operate forklifts without certification, according to the allegations.

The suit states that Pearce was suspended without pay on June 28, 2012, in retaliation for reporting unfair treatment by his supervisor on the basis of his race.

Pearce requested a transfer to a different department but was denied and finally resigned in November 2012.

The defendant is accused of race-based harassment, employment discrimination and national origin-based harassment from his superiors, which ultimately led to his discharge.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages for lost wages and employee benefits, back pay and front pay, compensatory damages, exemplary damages, liquidated damages, interest, attorney’s fees and court costs.

Pearce is represented by Ben James and Garnett E. Hendrix Jr. of Fears Nachawati Law Firm in Dallas.

A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Ron Clark is assigned to the case.

Case No. 4:13-cv-00090