A former employee of a 7-Eleven franchise in West Hempstead, New York, has filed a lawsuit alleging racial and national origin discrimination, as well as retaliation, following alleged workplace harassment and termination.
The lawsuit filed by plaintiff Luis Quintanilla names L.V.E. Enterprises, Inc., and an individual identified only as Luann as defendants. According to the complaint, Quintanilla, who is of Hispanic and El Salvadorian origin, was employed at the store from April 1 to May 10, 2024. During that time, he alleges he was subjected to frequent discriminatory remarks from Luann, who allegedly mocked his background and English proficiency. Despite fulfilling his responsibilities as a general convenience store worker, Quintanilla claims he was treated differently from non-Hispanic coworkers. Specifically, he alleges his pay was repeatedly delayed while other employees were paid on time, forcing him to request his wages multiple times.
On May 10, 2024, Quintanilla texted Luann to inquire about a late payment. In response to what he describes as a disparaging comment about the way he wrote his message, Quintanilla accused her of racism. He alleges he was terminated immediately afterward. The following day, when attempting to collect his final paycheck, Luann allegedly threatened to have him deported to El Salvador in front of a friend who was translating for him.
The lawsuit also details the emotional toll of the alleged events, including symptoms of anxiety and depression, which Quintanilla attributes to the combination of financial hardship and lack of family support in the United States. He further states that the deportation threat was particularly dehumanizing, especially in light of his prior efforts to protect the store during a robbery. The complaint asserts violations of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the New York State Human Rights Law, citing race and national origin discrimination. It also includes claims of retaliation under these statutes and New York Labor Law § 215.
Quintanilla is seeking compensatory damages for emotional distress and financial losses resulting from his unemployment, as well as punitive damages for what he describes as malicious conduct by the defendants.
The plaintiff is represented by attorney Clifford Tucker of Sacco & Fillas LLP. The case was filed in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York under Case ID: 2:25-cv-02771.