Manager claims bank tried to force Chinese culture on employees

SHERMAN - A Mexican-American bank manager has filed a lawsuit against his employer claiming he was discriminated against because he was not Asian-American.

Rodolfo “Rudy” Segura filed suit against American First National Bank on Sept. 4 in the Eastern District of Texas, Sherman Division.

Segura worked for the defendant as a branch manager beginning in early 2012 until Feb. 15, 2013. During the latter part of 2012, Segura alleges he began to notice a pattern of bullying, intimidation and harassment of non-Asian-American employees.

According to the lawsuit, the bank is accused of trying to force its employees to act in accord with Chinese culture, customs, mannerisms and traditions. American First National is also accused of treating Asian-American female employees better than male employees.

Segura alleges the bank has a scheme to eliminate all non-Asian American employees and replace them with Asian American younger, less experienced employees.

American First National Bank is accused of gender discrimination, national origin discrimination, mental abuse, hostile work environment and retaliation, according to the suit.

The plaintiff is seeking an injunction to prohibit the defendant from civil rights violations and for an award of damages for back pay, front pay, loss of wages and benefits, mental abuse, pain and suffering, mental anguish, humiliation, punitive damages, attorney’s fees, interest and court costs.

Segura is represented by Dallas attorney Hiram McBeth. A jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Richard A. Schell is assigned to the case.

Case No. 4:13-cv-00507