PHILADELPHIA – A Philadelphia woman is suing her employer after she alleges she was retaliated against and terminated based on her race.
Vanessa Hassett filed a complaint of Dec. 22 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against Valley Forge Colonial LP, doing business as Valley Forge Casino Resort, alleging discrimination and retaliation.
According to the complaint, Hassett, an African-American, was hired by the defendant in 2012 and held the position of a cage cashier.
Hassett alleges she was consistently made the subject of workplace hostility and retaliation, even though she performed her work in an excellent manner and was even named employee of the month in 2013.
The plaintiff claims she was treated disrespectfully and was scolded for taking her scheduled breaks. She was later accused of taking extra breaks and terminated, again being accused of actions she did not commit, the complaint states.
Hassett is seeking compensation of more than $150,000 for all damages received, emotional and financial, as well as legal fees. She is represented by Kevin I. Lovitz of The Lovitz Law Firm PC in Philadelphia.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 2:15-CV-06765