HUNTINGTON — Two African-American employees are suing Rent-A-Center Franchising International Inc., an employer, citing alleged hostile work environment and harassment.
Eric House and Marquel Ali filed a complaint on July 20 in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia Huntington Division against Rent-A-Center Franchising International Inc., alleging that the employer violated the West Virginia Human Rights Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that since working at the defendant's Rent-A-Center in Huntington and in the course of their employment, they have repeatedly experienced racial discrimination and harassment from customers, which caused them to suffer emotional distress, fear and harm. The plaintiffs holds Rent-A-Center Franchising International Inc. responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to take proper action to protect their safety and/or to protect them from racial discrimination and harassment.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek injunctive relief requiring the defendant to end and prevent the existing racial discrimination and harassment, compensatory damages, attorney's fees and costs, pre- and post-judgment interest and such other relief that the court may deem fair and proper. They are represented by Hoyt Glazer of Law Office of Hoyt Glazer PLLC in Huntington.
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of West Virginia Huntington Division Case number 3:16-cv-06654