BEAUMONT – Slated for trial earlier this month, a discrimination lawsuit brought against Martin Transport settled before a jury could be selected.
Alleging racial discrimination, Allen Hightower, an African American, filed suit against Martin Transport and Martin Resource Management on Dec. 8, 2016, in Jefferson County District Court.
Two years later, the case was called up for trial but settled, according to a courthouse official.
Chappell
According to the original petition, Hightower began working for Martin Transport in 2001 and was only one of four black employees. He remained with the company “despite hostile racial treatment” by coworkers and supervisors, until his “retaliatory termination” on July 23, 2014.
Prior to the termination, Hightower asserts he had never been reprimanded and warned about his work performance.
“It was only when he began complaining about the treatment of black employees … that he was targeted, retaliated against and ultimately terminated,” the suit states.
Hightower was seeking damages in excess of $1 million.
He was represented by Melody Chappell, attorney for the Wells, Peyton, Greenberg & Hunt law firm in Beaumont.
Judge Justin Sanderson, 60th District Court, is presiding over the case.
Case No. B-199350