ORLANDO — An Orange County woman is suing a bank, alleging discrimination.
Sherita Steele filed a complaint Oct. 12 in Orange County Circuit Court against Valley National Bank, alleging violation of Chapter 760 of the Florida Statutes.
According to the complaint, after more than 30 years working in the banking industry, on June 23, 2017, Steele was informed by Valley National that she had to resign as branch operation manager or she would be terminated. The suit says she was deprived of annual salary and benefits, the opportunity to earn a bonus and the right to participate in the defendant’s 401K retirement plan.
The plaintiff, who is black, alleges Valley National Bank subjected her to disparate treatment in the terms and the conditions of her employment because of her race and age, and terminated her employment and replaced her with a white, younger and less-qualified employee.
Steele seeks trial by jury, damages of more than $15,000, exclusive of interest, court costs and attorney fees and immediate reinstatement with back pay. She is represented by attorney Jerry Girley of The Girley Law Firm PA in Orlando.
Orange County Circuit Court case number 18CA011129