HOUSTON – A former geoscientist with ExxonMobil accuses the oil and gas corporation of fostering a hostile work environment.
A lawsuit filed in Houston federal court on Feb. 8 claims Lonnie Smith experienced racial discrimination for much of his thirty-year career with the defendant.
Smith recalls the mistreatment in question starting after he repatriated to the U.S. in 1999 after being based in Nigeria for a decade.
According to the suit, ExxonMobil frequently passed the complainant up for promotions and raises while awarding younger, white employees with less experience.
“Throughout his tenure at ExxonMobil, the plaintiff was constantly belittled and his efforts systematically marginalized,” the complaint states.
Smith’s manager purportedly assaulted him unprovoked on one occasion in an effort to stop him from talking about his time in Nigeria.
Court papers additionally accuse ExxonMobil of discriminating against Smith because of his age. The complainant is 57 years ago.
Smith further asserts the respondent terminated him approximately two years ago for complaints of discrimination.
Consequently, the plaintiff seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
He is represented by Alfonso Kennard, Jr. of Kennard Richard P.C. in Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case No. 4:18-cv-0367