NEW ORLEANS — An African-American woman is suing a group of energy companies, alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination.
Juanita Hill-Kennedy of St. John the Baptist Parish filed a lawsuit April 8 in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana against IV-Oil & Gas USA Inc. IV-AGA Group LLC, IV-AGA Texas LLC and IV Groep BV, alleging they discriminated against her regarding benefits, privileges, terms and conditions of her working relationship with them.
According to the complaint, on March 6, 2015, Hill-Kennedy was laid off from her employment because of her race and because of her complaints of racial discrimination.
The suit says Hill-Kennedy was the lowest paid manager and her working conditions deteriorated after she replaced a Caucasian member of human resources with an African-American candidate. The lawsuit states the plaintiff suffered criticism and scrutiny because she was not a "yes" person.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants regularly faulted her for not completing specific tasks correctly while a Caucasian subordinate was not subjected to scrutiny or criticism. The complaint states Hill-Kennedy was selected for layoff because of her race and because of her complaints of racial discrimination.
Hill-Kennedy seeks a trial by jury and reinstatement or front pay, compensation for back pay, punitive damages and emotional distress, attorney fees and costs, plus any other relief to which she is entitled. She is represented by attorney Christina L. Carroll of Robein, Urann, Spencer, Picard & Cangemi APLC in Metairie.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana Case number 2:16-cv-02928