Texas teacher accuses Houston school district of discrimination
A former Texas teacher has filed a lawsuit against the Houston Independent School District, claiming that he was fired because of his race and because he filed grievances against the school.
Robert Green filed the lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Houston Division.
In the lawsuit, Green says that he is an African-American male who was employed as a fourth grade teacher in the school district. He claims he was told in April 2013 that his contract would not be renewed due to poor job performance. Green states that he was not informed of any issues regarding his job performance beforehand.
Green alleges that in March 2013, a new principal, Toren Woolridge, was hired. Green claims that Woolridge criticized his job performance and accused him of threatening Woolridge, but that Woolridge actually threatened him. Green said he filed claims with the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission reporting the incident.
According to further claims in the lawsuit, Green was not given an opportunity to correct any alleged deficiencies in his job performance before his employment was terminated.
Green alleges race discrimination, breach of contract and retaliation. He is seeking an unspecified amount of damages for lost pay, earning potential and benefits.