Ronald R. Gayden Jr., a former employee of a Texas automotive dealership, has filed a lawsuit alleging racial and age discrimination as well as retaliation. The complaint was lodged on April 3, 2025, in the District Court of Harris County against J Davis Automotive Group Inc., doing business as Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep.
The plaintiff, Ronald R. Gayden Jr., claims that he faced discriminatory treatment based on his race and age during his tenure at Gulfgate Dodge Chrysler Jeep. Hired in Spring 2021 as a Service Advisor, Gayden was promoted to Service Drive Manager within a year. However, his work environment took a turn for the worse when Delsey Webster became his direct supervisor in late 2022. According to the complaint, Webster's behavior shifted from cordial to hostile, with her allegedly using demeaning language such as "old ass," "slow ass," and "old Black ass" towards Gayden. The harassment reportedly escalated during managers' meetings where Webster made racially charged comments referring to Gayden's predominantly Black and Hispanic team as "monkeys." Despite excelling in his role and consistently meeting performance goals, Gayden found himself subjected to continuous harassment.
In January 2023, after reporting Webster's conduct to Gulfgate's Human Resources Department without receiving any response or resolution, Gayden reached out to Business Controller Sofia Romero but still received no assistance. Instead of addressing his complaints, Gulfgate allegedly allowed the harassment to continue unchecked. The situation culminated in May 2023 when Webster terminated Gayden’s employment under dubious circumstances related to alleged policy violations concerning vehicle rentals—a claim that Gayden disputes.
Gayden argues that his termination was pretextual and directly linked to his complaints about discrimination. He asserts that the dealership failed to take any corrective action against Webster’s behavior despite being aware of it through multiple channels. As per the filing, these actions violated both state and federal laws protecting employees from discrimination based on race and age.
In seeking justice from the court, Gayden is requesting monetary relief exceeding $250,000 but not more than $1 million for damages incurred due to unlawful discrimination and retaliation by J Davis Automotive Group Inc. He also seeks compensatory damages for emotional distress caused by the hostile work environment he endured. Additionally, he demands exemplary damages due to what he perceives as malicious conduct by the defendant along with coverage for attorney fees and other legal costs associated with bringing this suit forward.
Representing Ronald R. Gayden Jr., attorneys Andrew S. Golub and Lauren L. Van Ness from Dow Golub Remels & Gilbreath PLLC have taken up this case before Judge Monica Jackson in Harris County District Court under Case ID 2025-22903.