SHERMAN — Office Depot is facing a suit filed by a former employee who claims he faced discrimination due to his African American race and gender and was fired in retaliation.
Harvon Gooden filed a complaint Dec. 19 in the Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas against Office Depot Inc., alleging violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Gooden began working for Office Depot as a national accounts representative on Nov. 19, 2018. He alleges in his complaint that beginning Aug. 20, 2019, he "was repeatedly subjected" to discrimination and "different terms and conditions" than his white and/or female coworkers. Among Gooden's claims are that two white female co-workers wrote "black bastard" and other racist comments in a notebook, was told by his superiors that he should be able to handle the alleged racist speech "because he was man," and was also denied reasonable accommodations. Gooden also claims he was fired on Sept. 11, 2019 in retaliation for his complaints.
Gooden seeks monetary relief, trial by jury, interest and all other equitable relief. He is represented by attorney Marshay Iwu in Dallas.
Sherman Division of the Eastern District of Texas case number 4:19-CV-00927-RWS