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Ex-administrator files civil suit against PHCC
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Published: October 30, 2009
DADE CITY - A former director for institutional research at Pasco-Hernando Community College has filed a civil lawsuit against the school, claiming racial discrimination and retaliation.
Kellei Samuels seeks damages in excess of $15,000, according to a complaint filed in Pasco County.
In December 2007, Samuels, who is black, filed a charge of discrimination based on race and retaliation against the school with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission and Florida Commission on Human Relations.
She filed another discrimination charge against the school in March 2008, court documents show.
Samuels' attorney, Richard F. Meyers, who has a Temple Terrace practice, and PHCC spokeswoman Lucy Miller declined to comment on the case.
According to the suit, Samuels worked at PHCC between August 2005 and fall 2008.
In October 2006, she filed a grievance based on race discrimination, disparate treatment, hostile work environment and retaliation by Aria Altman, her immediate supervisor.
The grievances were investigated by the school, but were determined to be unsubstantiated.
In November 2007, Samuels was placed on 90-day probation by Altman for insubordination and lack of communication, though Samuels had received an "outstanding" rating for communication earlier in the year.
Samuels was demoted in January 2008.
Two months later, she was told she would not be given a performance evaluation, making it impossible for her to be removed from probation, receive pay raises or earn increased benefits.
She filed the additional discrimination charge after being notified of the demotion.
Samuels claims that race was a factor in her termination and that she was retaliated against after filing the charge with the Equal Employment commission.
She seeks damages for mental pain, severe emotional distress, embarrassment, humiliation and loss of future pay, among other things.
Meyers, Samuels' attorney, contacted The Tampa Tribune on Thursday.
Reporter Geoff Fox can be reached at (813) 731-1239.
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