Carin Pettersson
Record Staff Writer
A former employee of the Roswell Chamber of Commerce has filed a complaint of discrimination against the group.
Sylvie Nelson, who was employed by the chamber as executive director, filed a complaint after she was dismissed without reason Dec. 14.
“I don´t know why,’ Nelson said. “I was never given a reason. I have filed a complaint with the Human Rights Division.’

The Human Rights Division is a part of the Department of Labor. Individuals who feel their employers have treated them unfairly by ignoring the New Mexico Human Rights Act, can file a complaint with the division as a first step and thereby possibly avoid the need to file the case in district court.
According to Nelson´s lawyer, Whitney Warner with Noeding & Moody of Albuquerque, Nelson has filed a charge of discrimination.
“It means that you have been discriminated against,’ Warner explained.
According to Warner, Nelson stated that she was discriminated against based on her sex, national origin and retaliation.
“She believes she was retaliated against,’ Warner said. “She is a Canadian citizen and that seemed to be a factor in denying her promotion and terminating her employment.’

According to Warner, the next step is that the division will call the parties in for a mediation.
“If the invitation is declined (by either participants) it will go to an investigator for investigation,’ Warner said. “I think an investigation will be likely in this case, but I don´t know yet.’

According to Jim Brown, director of the Human Rights Division, they receive between 7-10,000 calls annually. An investigation normally takes between 140 to 150 days to complete and, by law, the division needs to complete a case within 365 days.
Shawn Hughes, CEO of the chamber, declined to comment.

Gregory M. Jones
Record Staff Writer
Sylvie Nelson has filed a lawsuit against the Roswell Chamber of Commerce, former Chamber President Sam LaGrone and Chamber Chief Executive Officer Shawn Hughes for the events she claims forced her out of her job at the chamber and also prevented her from getting a similar job in Texas.
In the suit, Nelson claims that during a board meeting not specified by date in her complaint, LaGrone asked then-CEO Charlie Walker why Nelson did not hold her hand over her heart and recite the Pledge of Allegiance at the start of chamber meetings. Upon Walker telling LaGrone that Nelson is a Canadian citizen, LaGrone allegedly responded, “We can´t have that! It´s disrespectful.’

Nelson became interim CEO of the chamber in May 2001, and she claims LaGrone was unprofessional and hostile toward her. Nelson claims she was upset when she was told by LaGrone in June 2001 that she would be “better suited to an ‘in-between´ administrative position with the chamber.’

In July 2001, Nelson claims, LaGrone started his first meeting as board president by pointing out that Nelson did not put her hand over her heart or recite the pledge because she is Canadian, which Nelson claims made her feel uncomfortable.
Three days later, Nelson contends, LaGrone implied that the next CEO would be male, reportedly referring to whoever would be the next CEO as “he’ rather than using a gender-neutral noun.
Nelson claims she applied for the CEO position and the board recommended she be given the position. LaGrone allegedly disagreed with the board´s decision and formed a second panel to find a candidate he liked.
Nelson claims that during the interview process, LaGrone badgered her about her nationality and asked her if she had any intention of becoming a U.S. citizen. Nelson claims that she informed the panel she could legally work in the United States and questions about her nationality were illegal.
Nelson contends her nationality was one reason she did not get the job.
“On October 6, 2001, the board selected a male, Shawn Hughes, who did not apply within the application deadline and had inferior qualifications,’ court papers read.
Nelson contends she was told to resign or be fired on Dec. 3, 2001. Her last day of work was Dec. 14, 2001.
Nelson claims she then applied for a position as CEO of the Bastop Chamber of Commerce in Texas and was told she was the top choice for the job.
Nelson is arguing that Hughes made disparaging remarks about her to a representative of the Bastop chamber when they called for a reference. Nelson claims she was the top choice for the position until Hughes allegedly told the Bastop chamber she is a trouble-maker and that she “continued to undermine his authority by telling board members things and not paying bills.’

Nelson claims this bad reference prevented her from getting the job.
Nelson is seeking monetary damages for retaliatory discharge; disparate treatment and retaliation, both violations of the Human Rights Act; defamation; and intentional interference with a business relationship.
Nelson is seeking damages for economic loss suffered including lost wages and benefits; consequential damages including costs associated with looking for work; and damages for mental anguish, pain and suffering, humiliation, loss of reputation and loss of enjoyment of life.
Nelson is also seeking prejudgment and postjudgement interest on any damages she is awarded.
The respondents have declined an opportunity to respond. LaGrone said his attorney advised him not to comment and Hughes said the chamber cannot comment on pending litigation.