GALVESTON — An Asian woman alleges she faced race and age discrimination while working at an early education center in Galveston.
Stephanie Coleman filed a complaint Aug. 25 in Galveston County District Court against Moody Early Childhood Center alleging race and age discrimination.
Coleman, a 51-year old Asian female, worked as the director of community, family and student services for the defendant from January 2019 through April 2021, according to her suit.
Coleman alleges that the defendant's executive director made comments about her race stating she was "not Asian" but "white" and that employees would not listen to her because she was not "black." She further alleges that the executive director told her that she needed to be careful regarding her employment because she was over 50 years old and that it was difficult for older people to find work.
Coleman claims comments relating to her being Asian were made about her eyes squinting. She alleges that in April of 2021, after being falsely accused of not reporting a child abuse complaint, she was given a choice to accept a demotion or to resign. Coleman claims she was constructively discharged on April 23, 2021, while other employees also involved in the allegation were not disciplined or reprimanded. She also claims the defendant's actions were due to discrimination for her being Asian.
Coleman seeks monetary relief, interest, trial by jury and all other just relief. They are represented by Charles Dunkel, Jr., and Ashley Thomson of Thomas Dunkel Law PLLC in League City.
Galveston County District Court case number 22-CV-1616