SHREVEPORT - Sandra Lee filed a federal complaint on September 3 in the Western District of Louisiana against the City of Shreveport and Joe Mero, in his capacity as Assistant Director of Shreveport Public Assembly and Recreation, for violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
According to the complaint, Lee was an employee of the City of Shreveport and was forced to resign on Oct. 23, 2020 after being denied a promotion due to her age and sex. Lee was hired by the city in 2015 as an Instructor II and ultimately was promoted to Recreation Supervisor by 2018.
In September 2019, a superintendent position was available in Lee's department with no distinction of if the position was in the Athletics or the Recreation Division, the suit says. Lee was allegedly promised the position, then took FMLA leave while dealing with COVID-19, the suit says.
During that time, the position was advertised to the public. Lee applied for the position and the position was then changed to the Athletic Division and Lee alleges it became apparent that she would not be offered the promotion. Two other people, both males, were hired from outside the department to fill the positions, the suit complains
Lee seeks monetary relief, back pay, cost, fees and expenses for the suit. Lee is representing herself.
U.S. District Court Western District Louisiana Shreveport Division case number 5:21-cv-03232-DEW-MLH