PHILADELPHIA – A Philadelphia woman alleges was wrongfully terminated because of her age.
Sophia Alexander filed a complaint Jan. 11 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against the Philadelphia Housing Authority, citing violation of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act, Family Medical Leave Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
According to the complaint, Alexander was employed by the defendant from 1986 to 2013. In 2013, the suit states Alexander became ill and in February 2013, received 12 weeks of medical leave, using several days. In March 2013, the suit states that the plaintiff was diagnosed with kidney cancer. On March 24, 2013, Alexander allegedly received a text message about a meeting the next day, but she was unwell and told her supervisor she was unable to attend. Alexander sought extended leave for her condition and submitted paperwork on March 29, 2013, but on April 1, 2013, was informed that she was being laid off, according ot the suit. The suit states she was 63 at the time. She applied for four new positions, but was instead replaced by a younger employee, with less education and experience, the suit states.
Alexander seeks back and front pay, punitive damages, interest, attorney's fees and costs of suit. She is requesting a jury trial and is represented by Frederick M. Walton of Harvey, Pennington LTD in Philadelphia.
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case number 2:16-cv-00098