NEW ORLEANS - Claiming she was a victim of gender discrimination, Tia Hayes filed a lawsuit against her former employer Audubon Nature Institute Inc. and Audubon Nature Institute Foundation.
The lawsuit was filed on June 18 in federal court in New Orleans.
Hayes states that during her employment with the defendants she was subjected to inappropriate sexual behavior and conversations by another employee. She reported the behavior, but no action was taken.
According to the lawsuit, after she complained about the behavior Hayes was treated differently than other employees.
She was terminated from her position in February 2012.
The defendants are accused of gender discrimination and retaliation.
The plaintiff is asking the court for an award of damages, compensatory damages, exemplary damages, interest, and court costs.
Hayes is represented by Jessica W. Hayes of Murray Law Firm in New Orleans. A jury trial is requested.
U.S. District Judge Mary Ann Vial Lemmon is assigned to the case.
Case No. 2:12-cv-01548