HOUSTON — A Houston Independent School District police officer alleges she was fired because of her race.
Johnyale McDaniel filed a complaint Jan. 7 in Harris County District Court against Houston Independent School District Police Department, Houston Independent School District and Texas Work Force Commission alleging retaliation, negligence and other claims.
McDaniel, an African American female, worked as a police officer at the Houston Independent School District Police Department, according to her complaint. She claims in May of 2021, she was fired for allegedly releasing a child who allegedly had suicidal intentions to a parent who the child claimed sexually assaulted her.
McDaniel claims her termination was "purely based on lies motivated by retaliation and discrimination." She further claims the Texas Workforce Commission breached its duty by ignoring all of the evidence she presented during her hearing and that at the time of the incident, there was no "qualified professional" at the scene to determine the child's condition.
McDainel alleges that the school's assistant principal, who signed an affidavit to exonerate her, was a "direct witness to the incident."
McDaniel seeks monetary relief of more than $1 million, interest and all other just relief. She is represented by attorney Todd White in Houston.
Harris County District Court case number 2022-01418