Bexar County, Tx v. Gant
Elvin J. Gant, Jr. filed a discrimination charge with the Texas Commission on Human Rights on July 9, 1999, alleging race/national origin, color, sex, and age discrimination, stemming from a racial slur, lack of promotion, and eventual termination. After receiving a right-to-sue letter, Gant sued the County, asserting claims under the Texas Human Rights Act for unlawful failure to hire, unlawful discharge, and unlawful retaliation. The County moved for summary judgment, arguing Gant failed to exhaust administrative remedies by not filing his complaint within 180 days of the alleged racial slur. The appellate court affirmed the denial of summary judgment for Gant's race discrimination claims (failure to hire, unlawful discharge), concluding that the racial slur itself did not constitute an unlawful employment practice triggering the 180-day filing period. However, the court reversed and dismissed Gant's retaliation claim for lack of jurisdiction, finding he failed to exhaust administrative remedies as this claim was not included in his initial complaint and was not factually related to the race discrimination charge.