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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Friday, March 29, 2024

Former nursing facility worker alleges denial of employment opportunities

A Lufkin woman is suing nursing facility, alleging unlawful employment practices.

Lanetia Taylor filed a lawsuit July 8 in the Lufkin Division of the Eastern District of Texas against Piney Lufkin Healthcare, Inc., doing business as Southland Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, alleging discrimination based on her race, sex and religion.

According to the complaint, Taylor, an African-American female who is a member of the Church of Christ, was hired by the defendant in May 2010 as a social services director. The suit states she continuously expressed interest in Ensign Group's (of which Southland is a subsidiary) administrator in training program throughout her employment as she had a desire to become an administrator at either Southland or another Ensign facility.

Taylor alleges despite being qualified for entry into the AIT program, including obtaining a master's degree with honors in health administration and getting her license as a nursing home administrator, she was repeatedly denied the opportunity to enter the program. The suit says the opportunity was given to male, non African-American employees who didn't have Christian religious beliefs.

The lawsuit states as a result of the discriminatory treatment that Taylor was subjected to and the denial of employment opportunities, she felt that she had no other option but to resign in June 2013.

The suit alleges violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and reckless disregard for obligations under the law, and the plaintiff says the defendant's actions have led her to suffer humiliation, emotional distress, embarrassment, and economic losses.

Taylor seeks lost earnings and employment benefits, compensatory and punitive damages, attorney fees and court costs, and other relief deemed appropriate by the court. She is represented by attorney Francisco Caycedo of Caycedo Law in Sugar Land.

Lufkin Division of the Eastern District of Texas case number: 9:15-cv-00114-MHS.

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