Coach alleges race factor in termination from Clear Creek ISD

HOUSTON - The Clear Creek Independent School District is alleged to have fired a former coach because of her race.

In a lawsuit filed Dec. 5 in Houston federal court, Kimberly Allen claims that CCISD fired her over an off-campus fight with another teacher. 

Allen, who is black, was punished while the other teacher, who is white, was not, the lawsuit alleges.

The defendant hired Allen in 2010 to work at Westbrook Intermediate School.

According to the original petition, the subject altercation occurred during the spring semester of the previous school year.

Because of her purported role in the incident, the suit says, the school district placed Allen on administrative leave and subsequently terminated her.

But the plaintiff alleges Lisa Coleman did not suffer any disciplinary action despite her "poor performance reviews, student and parent complaints in her employment history with the district."

Allen insists CCISD is keeping her from securing new employment "in the form of negative references."

Consequently, the she seeks at least $160,000 in damages.

She is represented by attorney LaToya Jarrett of Shackelford & Associates LLC in Houston.

Case No. 4:13-CV-3563