An Asian American woman has filed a workplace discrimination complaint against Taylor Morrison of Texas, Inc. claiming that she was the victim of a retaliatory firing. The woman claims that her termination came about as a result of her complaints to management regarding the racism-based workplace discrimination she said she endured while on the job. The plaintiff’s position was that of a Senor Sales Associate in the Texas custom home builder company before she was fired.
In her complaint, the Asian American woman describes how a white co-worker repeatedly called her ‘the little Asian lady’ when she was involved with the businesses’ clients, fellow employees, and sales prospects. The workplace discrimination suit also describes how the co-worker treated her in a hostile manner both in person and while speaking to her over the phone. The complaint alleges that the woman’s complaints to management were met with indifference.
The woman’s initial complaints regarding the co-worker were made to management through both in-person dialogues and through email. On one occasion, her direct supervisor responded by describing her culture as difficult to work with. The woman filed her last formal discrimination complaint regarding her co-worker on May 8.
Four days after her final discrimination complaint, the Texas woman was fired as part of what her lawsuit alleges to be a retaliatory action. The suit requests a jury trial. Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act outlaws workplace discrimination, but many employers still have much to learn about how day-to-day interactions between co-workers can cause them to face penalties because of a lack of sensitivity towards people of other cultures and ethnic backgrounds. Inadequate or non-existent diversity training within a company can lead to slighted employees seeking legal redress in costly lawsuits.
Source: The Southeast Texas Record, “Asian American woman claims former employer ignored discrimination complaints,” John Suayan, June 19, 2013