Former Copart Inc. Global Vice President of HR Brings Suit for Gender Discrimination

Dallas County lawsuit details systemic gender discrimination and sexual harassment

DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Christine Arnold, a former global vice president of human resources for Copart, Inc., a global leader in online vehicle auctions, has sued the Dallas-based Fortune 500 company alleging gender discrimination, retaliation and sexual harassment.

Ms. Arnold worked for Copart for 17 years before she was fired in retaliation for raising concerns about pay disparities between genders, glass ceiling barriers, and sexual harassment by male employees directed toward herself and other female employees.

The Dallas County lawsuit accuses Copart of retaliation, creating a hostile work environment and sexual harassment in violation of the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act and seeks damages for lost compensation, emotional pain, mental anguish and other violations.

“Christine raised her hand and asked that she and her female co-workers be treated fairly and with respect and dignity,” said Rogge Dunn, who represents Ms. Arnold. “The facts of this case depict a ‘Mad Men-era boys’ club, the details of which are frankly disturbing.”

According to the lawsuit, Ms. Arnold was told to look the other way when male executives were seen with prostitutes at company-sponsored events and was yelled at for bringing her concerns to leadership.

Ms. Arnold also learned of a disparity in stock options grants in which females in leadership, including herself, did not receive awards. When she reported this discrimination, her direct supervisor, Will Franklin, Executive Vice President, the Americas Operations and Worldwide Shared Services, told her to “not go there,” the complaint details.

In addition to being harassed for opposing gender-based discrimination, Ms. Arnold and her team were instructed to ignore misconduct that occurred at male-only, company-sponsored parties — and were forced to clean up the fallout from these events. These included a yacht party in Miami, Florida; “Burn it Down” shooting parties in Celina, Texas; and a superspreader poker night during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The complaint further details that she was required as part of her job to work in an environment inundated with inappropriate and sexually suggestive details about the parties described.

Copart’s brands include BID4U, CashForCars.com, CrashedToys, DRIVE Auto Auctions, and National Powersport Auctions.

Read the complaint here.

The case is Christine Arnold vs. Copart, Inc., Cause No. DC-25-05579 in the 193^rd District Court in Dallas County.

Rogge Dunn Group has built a well-deserved reputation for aggressive litigation, outstanding results and attentive client service. Led by founding partner Rogge Dunn, the firm is well known for successfully trying high-profile business, financial and employment disputes. This trial experience fosters innovative strategies to obtain effective settlements and minimize litigation risks for corporate and individual clients. Based in Dallas, the firm tries cases in state and federal courts in Texas and throughout the United States. Learn more about the firm at www.roggedunngroup.com.