HOUSTON — Nationwide is facing a claim the company discriminated against an African American employee due to his race and age.
Roy Lee Weeks filed a complaint Nov. 16 in Harris County Disrict Court against Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company alleging violation of the Texas Human Rights Act.
Weeks, according to his suit, worked for Nationwide for 25 years. He alleges that in 2010, he was "targeted" for giving "honest feedback concerning a white manager." He further alleges he suffered "disparate treatment" and was assigned "historically low performing positions" in order to demote him because he is African American.
He also claims he was refused promotions despite his qualifications and experience because of his race. Weeks alleges Nationwide also failed to promote him for positions where he "was clearly more qualified" than other candidates due to his age. He also alleges he was stripped of assignments and other opportunities and filed a charge of discrimination with the Texas Workforce Commission and received a right to sue in October of 2021. Weeks claims as a result of Nationwide's actions, he was forced out on medical leave in March of 2021.
Weeks seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. He is represented by Marjorie Murphy of The Murphy Law Practice PLLC in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2021-75170