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SOUTHEAST TEXAS RECORD

Monday, November 4, 2024

Former Employee Alleges Racial Discrimination Against Northwest Drive Train

State Court
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In a dramatic legal battle, an employee has filed a lawsuit against his former employer, alleging racial discrimination, religious harassment, and retaliation that culminated in his constructive discharge. Matthew Wright initiated the complaint on October 9, 2024, in the District Court for Harris County, Texas, targeting Northwest Drive Train and several unnamed defendants.

Matthew Wright's journey with Northwest Drive Train began on August 10, 2023. As an African American Telematics Technician with considerable expertise, he was optimistic about his new role. However, this optimism quickly faded as he encountered what he describes as a hostile work environment rife with discrimination and harassment. According to the complaint, Jeremy Scott, Wright's supervisor, subjected him to aggressive criticism and public humiliation that were racially charged. In one instance during a team meeting in October 2023, Scott made derogatory comments about Wright's personal life, undermining his authority among peers.

The allegations extend beyond racial discrimination to include religious harassment. The lawsuit claims that both Scott and Geary Palmer, the company manager, pressured Wright to participate in religious activities against his will. When Wright declined these overtures—a right protected under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964—he faced increased hostility and punitive measures like revoking music-listening privileges for all employees.

Wright also accuses Palmer of stalking and privacy invasion. On October 6, 2023, after completing a late shift and visiting family before heading home, Wright received a text from Palmer implying surveillance of his movements via the company's vehicle dashboard camera—a clear breach of privacy according to the plaintiff.

Despite reporting these incidents to management and Human Resources at Northwest Drive Train, Wright alleges that no action was taken to address or rectify the situation. Instead, he claims that Scott and Palmer intensified their discriminatory conduct. By January 18, 2024, this toxic environment forced Wright into what he describes as a "constructive discharge," where continued employment became untenable due to intolerable working conditions.

Wright is seeking compensatory damages exceeding $250,000 but not more than $1 million for lost wages and emotional distress caused by the alleged unlawful actions of Northwest Drive Train under federal and state laws including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and Texas Labor Code Chapter 21. He also seeks punitive damages to deter future misconduct by the defendants.

Representing Matthew Wright is attorney John L. Pittman III from John L. Pittman III | Attorney at Law APC based in San Diego. The case is presided over by Judge Marilyn Burgess under Case ID: CAUSE NO: Filed: 10/9/2024.

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