A former employee has taken legal action against a public district, alleging racial and national origin discrimination, as well as retaliation in the workplace. Javier Rodriguez filed a complaint on December 12, 2024, in the Circuit Court of the 15th Judicial Circuit in Palm Beach County, Florida, against Indian Trail Water Control District, also known as Indian Trails Improvement District.
Javier Rodriguez claims that during his employment from April 2019 to April 2022 as an Accounts Payable Specialist, he was subjected to discriminatory treatment due to his race and national origin. The lawsuit states that Rodriguez is a white Hispanic Cuban male who faced differential treatment compared to non-Hispanic employees. According to the complaint, during the COVID-19 pandemic, while other employees were allowed to work remotely, Rodriguez was required to return to the office. He alleges this was due to his Hispanic background. Furthermore, he points out instances where human resources staff failed to acknowledge birthdays of Hispanic employees while celebrating those of non-Hispanic staff.
Rodriguez recounts several incidents highlighting alleged discrimination and retaliation. In one instance, when he requested remote work due to COVID-19 exposure within his family, it was denied despite similar requests being granted for non-Hispanic colleagues. His attempts at addressing these discrepancies led to further retaliatory actions by Scarlett Canvey from human resources. He reports unjustified write-ups and increased scrutiny following his complaints about unequal treatment.
The plaintiff argues that these actions violated both state and federal laws protecting against workplace discrimination based on race and national origin. Specifically cited are violations under the Florida Civil Rights Act of 1992 and 42 U.S.C. §1981 (Civil Rights Act). Rodriguez asserts that these unlawful acts resulted in emotional distress, damage to reputation, lost wages, and ultimately wrongful termination.
Rodriguez seeks various forms of relief from the court including compensatory damages for emotional distress and humiliation; reinstatement or equivalent position with full benefits; back pay with interest; punitive damages; attorney’s fees; costs associated with litigation; and a jury trial. Additionally, he requests injunctive relief prohibiting further discriminatory practices by the defendant.
The case ID is: 502024CA011740XXXAMB Div: AJ. Representing Javier Rodriguez is attorney Mark S. Edwards from Remer Georges-Pierre & Hoogerwoerd PLLC.