Dallas Theater Company Accused of Age Discrimination

Jun 6, 2016 @ 12:09 PM — by Dan Atkerson

Tagged with: Agediscrimination Workplace Discrimination

Workplace discrimination affects all industries, but showbiz is arguably seeing most of the spotlight. This is true for Hollywood as well as local theaters, such as Dallas Summer Musicals. The local theater company has found itself in some high water after allegedly committing age discrimination against a former employee.

Michael Jenkins, now 74 years old, was raised in theater from a young age. He described his theatrical experiences as deeply important to his upbringing, which meant that his appointment as company president and managing director at Dallas Summer Musicals in 1994 had been something of a dream come true.

Jenkins served in that position for 23 years, and enjoyed a mostly successful run as theater president, until recently when he was abruptly fired. The theater company has hired a new interim manager, calling the shift the start of a “new generation of leadership.” Jenkins has accused DSM of age discrimination, and has already filed a complaint with the EEOC.

Jenkins believes that he was fired because he refused to retire, saying that the theater has been his passion for so long, and he was unwilling to give it up just yet. In addition to the accusations of age discrimination, Jenkins also says that the DSM board of directors is attempting to renege on a $390,000 loan that he gave the theater company.

What Can I Do About Age Discrimination?

Age discrimination affects millions of people in America, preventing them from finding gainful employment simply because they are older than their colleagues. Discriminating against an employee or applicant because of his or her age (over 45) is strictly prohibited by the Age Discrimination in Employment Act.

If you have been fired, overlooked for promotions or have been rejected by hiring managers due to your age, you may have a case for age discrimination. You should talk with an employment law attorney to find out more about workplace discrimination, and to learn what legal options may be available to you.