Former First Student worker sues claiming sexual orientation-based discrimination

A man claiming he was harassed and discriminated against because of his sexual orientation is suing his former supervisor and other employees of First Student, a school bus transportation service.

In a suit filed Feb. 28 in Madison County Circuit Court, Robert Keith Mellenthin states that he was subjected to a hostile work environment while performing his job according to his employer’s legitimate expectations.

He states that his sexual orientation is homosexual.

Mellenthin claims he reported the alleged harassment to management but First Student failed to take action. He claims he then filed a charge with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and the Illinois Department of Human Rights. As a result, he claims he was written up for disciplinary actions.

He claims First Student retaliated against him by constructively discharging him for having filed the charges with the EEOC and the human rights agency.

The suit also names Mike Halbe as supervisor for First Student and Cartez Parks and Curtis Tucker as employees who allegedly participated in harassing Mellenthin.

He states that he started working for the company in May 2007, although the complaint does not state his occupation.

Mellenthin filed suit within 90 days of receiving a right to sue letter from the EEOC and the state Department of Human Rights.

He claims his rights under the Illinois Human Rights Act and the federal Civil Rights Act were violated.

He seeks in excess of $50,000 in damages plus costs

He is represented by Michael J. Brunton of Brunton Law Offices in Collinsville.

Madison County case number 14-L-333.