Former Perry’s Server Files Lawsuit, Alleging Religious Discrimination | Eater Houston

"A former server alleges he experienced cultural insensitivity and outright Islamophobia while employed at the restaurant, including being required to participate in a wine tasting despite abstaining from alcohol for religious reasons. He says a coworker, Reid Goodwin, mocked his accent, implied he was a "terrorist," and made derogatory jokes about Asians working in convenience stores. After reporting the incidents to human resources, the coworker was reportedly suspended for three days, but then told the plaintiff that the punishment had been reduced because "white people stick together." The manager allegedly dismissed the complaint—telling the employee he was "giving her headaches" and instructing him to take an extra day off—and when he returned three days later he was terminated for "upselling." The lawsuit contends the employer fabricated customer complaints and write‑ups (noting a warning dated July 8 that coincides with the complaint against the coworker) as a cover-up, and argues the firing was discriminatory and retaliatory. The suit was filed February 2 in the U.S. Southern District of Texas and seeks back pay, punitive damages, and court costs; a pretrial date is set for March 21." - Amy McCarthy