Age discrimination lawsuit to be heard Tuesday afte long time Police Chief Ricardo Rodriquez was fired and replaced by the Nic Garza.

 

Asettlement has not been reached between the Rio Hondo School District and former ISD Police Chief Ricardo Rodriguez.  The Rio Hondo ISD Board of Trustees are set to meet on Tuesday, July 14 to discuss and to consider the lawsuit filed against the School District for discrimination.

The lawsuit was filed to  redress the deprivation of rights secured to Mr. Rodriguez by Section 7(b), 29 U.S.C. §626(b), of the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, as amended, 29 U.S.C. §626 et seq. (ADEA), which incorporates by reference Section 16(b), 29 U.S.C. §216(b), of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938, as amended, 29U.S.C. §201 et seq.

This case is further brought to redress the deprivation, under color of state law, ordinance, regulation, and custom or usage, or rights, privileges, and immunities secured to Mr. Rodriquez under First Amendment to the United States, Constitution via 42 U.S.C. §1983. Grievant alleges that Mr. Garcia and the Rio Hondo ISD discriminated against him with respect to compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment on the basis of protected rights.

Mr. Rodriguez further alleges that he is a victim of Disparate Treatment by the Rio Hondo School District and Mr. Garcia. That as a member of a protected group, grievant alleges that he has been denied the same employment promotions, and opportunities that have been made available to other employees.  29 C.F.R. 1607.11

As you may recall, back in 2013, Superintendent Ismael Garcia was hired as the Superintendent. As soon as he came in, directors were fired, reassigned, resigned, or were ask to re-apply for the job. ISD Police Chief Ricardo Rodriquez has served Police Chief for close to 2 decades, even as the current ISD Police Chief, Nic Garza, was in high school.

Ricardo Rodriquez alleges that Mr. Garcia ultimately pushed him of as chief, even though he was the most qualified and experienced.

Nic Garza, is the son of Carlos Garza, former Ag Teacher/and candidate for school board who has been dating Veronica Puente since she was a principal at the high school.