AUSTIN – A former temporary employee of Texas Mutual Insurance Co. alleges that she was subjected racial discrimination and retaliation, as well as deliberate violation of her civil rights, during her employment.
Quianna Canada filed her complaint in the 200th Judicial District of Travis County against TMIC on Jan. 30. A file of removal was filed by TMIC on Feb. 27, moving the trial to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Texas, Austin Division.
In her amended original petition, Canada alleged that the TMIC engaged in racial discrimination against her. According to the original complaint, the plaintiff, who is an African-American woman, was allegedly denied three positions in which she was qualified. Canada also alleged that she was denied the positions because her manager did not want African-Americans working in her department, and Canada was allegedly terminated after she complained. The plaintiff alleges that the termination came after she participated in Austin’s Fair Chance Hiring investigation.
In the file of removal that was filed by TMIC, the court noted that there was more than a “loose factual connection” between Canada’s state and federal claims. According to the file of removal document, the alleged facts in support of Canada’s state and federal claims are identical. Accordingly, all claims arise out of a “common nucleus of operative fact” and are subject to supplemental jurisdiction.
Canada is also an author of an “anti-fascist activism” and “anti-racism” blog titled “Running From Empty Shoes.”
The Record contacted both the plaintiff and defendants of the case, but received no response from either sides. The case is still currently pending.