Former employee claims racial comments forced her to take disability leave

In a recently-filed lawsuit, a former employee of Hydril Co. is claiming she suffered such severe racial ridicule that she was forced to seek medical treatment and take disability leave.

Arguing her rights under the Americans with Disability Act were violated, Connie Knight filed suit against Tenaris Global Services Corp., doing business as Hydril Co., Aug. 19 in federal court in New Orleans.

Knight is a female Asian/American Indian who began work at TGS in June 2008 in the Houston corporate office. Shortly thereafter, she transferred to the Westwego, La. office as an employee relations manager. Knight states there were only two female employees working at Hydriland she was the only female minority.

She claims fellow employees subjected her to racial ridicule, regarding Indian's eating habits and temperaments and because she had an African-American son. Knight states she reported the harassment, threats and mistreatment but claims she was told that the offenders "had something to prove." Knight claims the threats and hostile treatment resulted in her seeking medical care and short-term disability.

Ultimately, Knight says she was terminated for dishonesty.

Knight is seeking compensatory damages for pain and suffering, punitive damages, interest and attorney fees.

Knight is represented by Willard J. Brown, Sr. of New Orleans.
a jury trial is requested.

U.S. District Judge Helen G. Berrigan is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:10cv02787