LAFAYETTE — A Houma man is suing an energy company, alleging racial discrimination and wrongful termination.
Elinus P. Noel Jr. of Houma filed a lawsuit April 24 in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana against Transocean Offshore USA Inc., alleging violation of provisions of the 1866 Civil Rights Act.
According to the complaint, in January 2014, the position of Noel's immediate superior was vacant and unstaffed until his termination April 4, 2014. Before his termination, the suit says, Noel, who had worked for Transocean since 2007 and risen through the ranks, requested a promotion but was denied. At some point after his termination, the lawsuit states, white employees were promoted to management's hierarchy.
The plaintiff alleges Transocean terminated him due to an incorrect investigation report, while white employees who have committed severe offenses are still working with the company.
Noel seeks a trial by jury, all damages and equitable relief, costs, attorney fees, legal interest and all other relief to which he is entitled. He is represented by attorney Kevin S. Vogeltanz of The Law Office of Kevin S. Vogeltanz LLC in New Orleans.
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana Case number 6:16-cv-00552