PHILADELPHIA — A mechanic is suing Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority, citing alleged discrimination.
Mathew Tharakan filed a complaint on Nov. 9 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania against SEPTA, alleging the public transportation provider violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that as a result of defendant's DBE Director Mary Connell's discriminatory conduct, he experienced job-related stress and was caused to have a heart attack on Sept. 14, 2017, for which he was hospitalized.
He was caused to suffer loss of earnings and benefits, pain and suffering, embarrassment and loss of self-esteem, the suit says. The plaintiff holds SEPTA responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to prevent or address Connell's discriminatory conduct and failed to take corrective and remedial measures to make the workplace free of discriminatory treatment.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks damages in excess of $150,000. He is represented by Isaac Green.
The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania Case No. is 2:18-cv-04857-NIQA.