Pregnancy discrimination claimed in suit against Sprint

A former Sprint customer service representative is claiming pregnancy discrimination in a lawsuit she filed against the company after she was fired shortly before her scheduled maternity leave.

Amanda F. Smith filed suit against Roger Braud, Charles Acosta, and Sprint/United Management Co. on Nov. 10 in St. Tammany Parish District Court. The defendant removed the case to federal court in New Orleans on March 2.

According to the complaint, Smith began working for a Sprint store in October 2006 and she was terminated on Nov. 9, 2009.

Smith states the Sprint store manager embarrassed her in an effort to get her to quit and also attempted to find reasons to fire her.

She states the company refused to order an additional uniform and would not allow her to purchase a shirt or wear one of her own. The store manager brought Smith one of his extra uniforms.

Smith was told she was terminated for failing to meet minimum requirements. When she applied for unemployment benefits, she received a letter stating she was not eligible because she was terminated for "misconduct."

Smith was eight months pregnant at the time of her termination and approximately three weeks from her taking her maternity leave.

The defendant is accused of violating Smith's civil rights by committing pregnancy discrimination.

The plaintiff is seeking an award of damages, plus attorney fees, interest and court costs.

Smith is represented by New Orleans attorney Willie M. Zanders.

U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-00499