Math teacher claims he lost job for taking too much sick leave

A New Orleans math teacher has filed a discrimination lawsuit after he lost his job for taking too much sick leave.

Claiming violations of his civil rights, Joe E. Williams filed suit against Recovery School District on July 6 in federal court in New Orleans.

Williams claims he is a victim of racial discrimination and retaliation, disability discrimination and age discrimination.

According to the lawsuit, Williams submitted a request for sick leave because he was experiencing a bad flare-up of "spinal stenosis."

The leave was approved through Nov. 2, 2009, the suit claims. While he was attempting to
gain approval for extended sick leave, he was terminated for excessive use of sick leave and job abandonment.

He is seeking damages for emotional pain, suffering, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of life, lowered self-esteem, humiliation, medical expenses, back pay, lost wages, and court costs.

Williams is represented by New Orleans attorney Lillian M. Thornton.

U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance is assigned to the case.

Case No. 2:11-cv-01588