CHARLESTON — A Raleigh County woman is suing JC Penney and other employers, alleging discrimination, hostile work environment and retaliation.
Celeste Robinson filed a lawsuit Dec. 12 in Kanawha Circuit Court against JC Penney Company Inc., JC Penney Corp. Inc., Hair Salon Shop 411 and Debra Ballard, alleging violation of the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, on Sept. 15, 2015, Robinson, who had been hired as a hairstylist by JC Penney in 2013, was constructively discharged from her employment at the Hair Salon Shop 411 for engaging in a protected activity.
The plaintiff alleges the defendants discriminated and retaliated against her and created a hostile work environment that was severe and pervasive, including cutting her work hours and ordering hair salon employees not to talk to the plaintiff.
Robinson seeks trial by jury, reinstatement to her previous or comparable position, enjoining the defendant from engaging in discriminatory conduct, compensatory damages, attorney fees and court costs and all other relief. She is represented by attorneys Dwight J. Staples and Gail Henderson-Staples of Henderson, Henderson & Staples LC in Huntington.
Kanawha Circuit Court Case number 16-c-1845
