NEW ORLEANS - After her employment contract was not renewed, a Lebanese librarian has filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against her former employer, a Jefferson Parish Catholic school.
Larissa Maalouli filed suit against Saint Clement of Rome School on April 20 in federal court in New Orleans.
Maalouli was hired by the defendant in August 2006 as a kindergarten assistant. In August 2008 she was moved to a librarian position.
She claims that she was subjected to disparate treatment and harassment on the basis of her Lebanese ancestry. Maalouli argues that her contract was not renewed at the end of the 2010-2011 school year due to her ancestry.
The school told Maalouli that her contract was not renewed because she did not possess a permanent Louisiana teacher certification, the suit states.
The plaintiff is asking the court for an award of damages for mental anguish, emotional distress, lost or diminished reputation, mental and emotional pain, lost wages, back pay, front pay, punitive damages, attorney's fees, interest, and court costs.
Maalouli is represented by New Orleans attorney Donald L. Hyatt, II.
U.S. District Judge Jay C. Zainey is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:12-cv-01021
Lebanese librarian sues Catholic school for discrimination
ORGANIZATIONS IN THIS STORY