Posts Tagged ‘Sexual Comments’
Will Seven College Track Athletes Find Justice After Suing Their Coach and School Over Sexual Harassment And Retaliation?
October 3rd, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
LOS ANGELES, CA – Seven college track athletes have filed a sexual harassment complaint claiming they were kicked off the team for complaining about their coach’s lewd behavior.
The alleged victims, all female, have used only their initials in the complaint, which sues Using Mt. San Antonio College of Walnut, Calif., the San Antonio Community College District, and assistant head coach Carlos Moore. The women claim Moore sexually harassed and attacked them a month after they joined the college as freshman in August 2010.
“During the period of approximately September 1, 2010 to March 15, 2012, plaintiffs were regularly and continuously subjected to sexual battery, sexual harassment and discrimination by defendant Moore and others, including District and defendants Joe Jennum, Doug Todd, Mike Goff, and Dr. Ernie Gregoire for their failure to take appropriate corrective measures,” read the complaint.
Mt. San Antonio College Athletic Director Jennum, head coaches Dodd and Goff, and assistant coach Dr. Gregoire, are also named as defendants.
Among his transgressions, Moore allegedly made “harassing sexual comments,” propositioned the students for sex and inappropriately touched them. The victims also say Mt. San Antonio failed to fire Moore, despite “a history of engaging in inappropriate conduct against students at his prior places of employment,” and were kicked off the team after they complained as a form of retaliation.
The plaintiffs are seeking punitive damages for sexual harassment, retaliation, discrimination, emotional distress and several other charges.
If you have also experienced unwanted accounts of sexual conduct, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case and protect your right to an environment free of discrimination and hostility. Sexual harassment attorneys will make sure you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering.
Washington Sex Crime Unit Detectives Sue Department for Sexual Harassment
September 28th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Seattle, WA – Three female detectives King County’s Sexual Assault Unit are suing the department claiming that fellow officers subjected them to a hostile environment rife with discrimination and inappropriate sexual conduct.
The three detectives Marylisa Preibe-Olson, Janette Luitgaarden, and Belinda Ferguson say they were repeatedly subjected to inappropriate comments about their breast and buttocks along with verbal abuse, the Seattle Times reported.
The complaint alleges that two current sergeants Paul Mahlum and Tony Provenzo subjected the women to “tremendous emotional distress,” after years of working in a “toxic, degrading and humiliating” environment.
Some of the acts included talking about the size of the women’s breasts and directing other people to look at their breasts. They were also subjected to public humiliation which included “yelling, screaming and spitting.”
One of the complainants said that she was threatened with retaliation if she reported the abuse.
An attorney for the law firm the women contacted, Julie Kays said, “These are tough women. They stare down sex offenders every day. They deal with some of the most challenging cases in the county,” but they “couldn’t take it anymore, the constant barrage of sexual comments and sexualizing in the workplace.”
The King County Sherriff’s department has 60 days to respond to the complaint. The women are seeking financial compensation for their emotional duress.
Complaints of sexual harassment in law enforcement agencies are not unusual. These cases are often settled before a formal lawsuit is file, but if an agency contests the allegations, it is necessary for the victims to retain a Seattle sexual harassment attorney to present a strong case in court.
Two University of Akron Employees Resign Following Sexual Harassment Investigation
September 24th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Two University of Akron employees have resigned following a university investigation that shows they violated the school’s sexual harassment policy.
Sheriff candidate Randy Rivers and his supervisor, Michael Jalbert, resigned following an investigation that stems from an Aug. 3 sexual harassment complaint filed by a female employee. The complaint alleges Rivers sexually harassed the victim after he joined the university in July 2011 as part-time commander of the Law Enforcement Training Center. Jalbert was accused of not responding to the incident correctly.
The university’s Equal Employment Opportunity investigator interviewed roughly 18 people and concluded that the two accused sexual offenders did indeed violate the school’s policy on sexual harassment.
According to the victim, Rivers would stare at her and made inappropriate sexual comments. However, Rivers denies any wrongdoing and so does Jalbert, who claims the victim told him Rivers was “creepy” and he then advised her to keep a journal.
The victim had a different story to tell, though.
“I am constantly worrying about the next work day and how I am going to avoid certain situations with Mr. Rivers,” reported the victim in her official statement. “I have a hard time concentrating on tasks while he’s sitting in my office staring at me and I want to hide when I hear him coming down the hallway.”
Sexual harassment is a serious crime and victims may be entitled to compensation for their pain and suffering. If you or someone you know has been targeted by a sexual offender, speak to a leading sexual harassment lawyer right away to ensure your rights are protected.
Sexual harassment lawyers work diligently to make sure the offender is brought to justice and that you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Call to schedule a consultation today.
When to File a Sexual Harassment Claim
September 14th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
When we think of sexual harassment, what comes to mind? Most likely an image of someone getting battered and abused violently and repeatedly. Unfortunately, sexual harassment encompasses many more incidents than just the extreme ones and victims are not always aware of their rights. It’s important for people to know the full extent of their rights and what exactly constitutes sexual harassment so they know what to expect and when to file a lawsuit with a sexual harassment lawyer.
The following are examples of incidents that can be considered a violation of a person’s right to a workplace free of discrimination and hostility:
- Sexual Comments – May include mild mention of sexual joke or reference without even pertaining to a person in particular. Anyone who overhears inappropriate sexual comments has the right to bring forth a claim.
- Quid Pro Quo – Includes one person asking another one for sexual favors in exchange for benefits like a promotion or raise.
- Inappropriate Gestures – Looking at someone’s body up and down, making obscene hand or body gestures, or even blocking someone’s path.
- Visual Harassment – Any photos or posters that depict sexual images
- Written Harassment – Texts, emails, letters, or memos that involve explicit sexual messages
If you or someone you know has experienced any of the above incidents, you may be entitled to compensation. It is also important to know that incidents tend to get worse if you don’t do anything about them right away.
Don’t waste any time and turn to a legal professional to put an end to the unwanted comments or actions. Contact a sexual harassment attorney in your area to discuss your options and protect your right to a safe and harassment free workplace.
Landlord to Pay Millions in California Sexual Harassment Case
September 12th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
BAKERSFIELD, CA – A California landlord has been ordered to pay $2.13 million in damages and civil penalties following a Justice Department Fair Housing Act lawsuit alleging he sexually harassed current and prospective female tenants.
The complaint alleges that Rawland Leon Sorensen, the owner and manager of several residential rental properties in Bakersfield, CA, would repeatedly make unwelcome sexual comments and advances to the women, often even exposing his genitals and touching the victims without their consent.
The settlement represents the largest in a sexual harassment lawsuit brought forth by the Justice Department under the Fair Housing Act. As part of the settlement, Sorensen is required to pay $2,075,000 in damages to 25 victims. In addition, Sorensen must also pay a $55,000 civil penalty to the United States, the maximum penalty available under the Fair Housing Act.
Sorensen must also hire an independent manager to manage his rental properties and will have very strict regulations for his future dealings with tenants.
“The Eastern District of California is committed to enforcing the civil rights of all persons in the District,” said Benjamin B. Wagner, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of California. “This case involved a course of conduct that spanned several years and affected many vulnerable persons. The decree sends a strong message to property owners that discrimination will not be tolerated.”
Sexual harassment can take many forms, including a mild sexual joke or a request for sexual favors in exchange for benefits. Regardless of the type of assault, all sexual harassment is unwanted and unwelcome. If you or someone you know has experienced some form of sexual harassment, turn to a team of sexual harassment lawyers right away to ensure the perpetrator is stopped immediately and to claim compensation for your pain and suffering.
Woman Claims Female Supervisor Sexually Harassed Her
August 10th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
HOUSTON, TX – A Houston woman has filed a lawsuit alleging she was sexually harassed and physically attacked by a female supervisor before being terminated.
Jamenice Dabney-Davis claims she was fired from her wheelchair escort position with Gateway Frontline Services Inc. after complaining that her supervisor, Denise Moshay, made unwanted sexual advances toward her.
Jamenice Dabney-Davis claims Moshay subjected her to “sexual comments, illicit sexual invitations, and unwanted physical touching,” adding that she while she continued to resist the advances, Moshay did not cease the unwanted behavior.
Dabney-Davis told Moshay she was going to report her if she did not stop harassing her, and alleges Moshay “began to exhibit hostilities toward (her).”
The complainant goes on to claim that Moshay requested the victim to come to her office, but when she did, a co-worker named Iricka Spencer “physically attacked Davis including but not limited to spitting in Dabney-Davis’s face and slapping her.”
The lawsuit alleges that Moshay orchestrated the attack in retaliation for Dabney-Davis’ rejection of the sexual advances.
Dabney-Davis seeks unspecified monetary damages and a jury trial.
As can be seen with this case, sexual harassment is something that can occur between individuals of the same sex. Anyone can be a victim of unwanted sexual misconduct, but all victims are encouraged to seek legal help to ensure the harassment ceases immediately. If you or someone you know has been hurt by a sexual offender, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case.
Sexual harassment lawyers will fight for your rights and ensure the perpetrator is held accountable for their behavior. In addition, they will see to it you receive compensation for your pain and suffering.
Speak to a sexual harassment attorney today to file a case.
Federal Court to Review Fairfield County Sexual Harassment Case
July 30th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
LANCASTER – A sexual harassment case that dates back to 2010 is gaining attention in federal court.
Fairfield County Auditor Jon Slater Jr., auditor employee Noel Sodders, former Fairfield County Auditor Barbara Curtiss, and former supervisor Eric Coakley have been sued by former employee Holly Littrell who claims she was the victim of inappropriate sexual behavior, including accusations that Coakley grabbed her during an argument.
Coakley was suspended in February 2011 after reportedly grabbing Littrell during an argument and failing to leave the building when he was told to do so by a supervisor.
Coakley admitted to using foul language with Littrell as well as grabbing her during the incident. He later resigned.
The sexual harassment lawsuit claims Littrell was subjected to a hostile work environment, as well as alleges both Coakley and Sodders made repeated sexual comments to her.
The suit also claims Coakley took pictures of Littrell when she bent over, threatening to send them to the men in the department, as well as would “unzip his pants and put memo notes in between and ask (Littrell) to retrieve them.”
Littrell claims the county auditor’s office was aware of the sexual harassment and after filing a complaint with the human resources department in 2008, the environment became even more hostile.
In April 2011, Littrell filed a sexual harassment and retaliation complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, which led the auditor’s office to finally initiate a formal investigation of her claims.
Sexual harassment can include a number of unwanted actions, including inappropriate touching, vulgar language or a severe physical attack. If you or someone you know has been subjected to sexual abuse, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately for help.
Sexual harassment lawyers fight for victims’ rights and ensure the perpetrator is held liable for their behavior.
McDonald’s Owner to Pay $1 Million in Sexual Harassment Settlement
July 18th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
WISCONSIN – A company that owns 25 McDonald’s restaurants in Wisconsin has been ordered to pay $1 million to 10 former employees of the Reedsburg McDonald’s after they were sexually harassed during their employment.
Poynette-based Missoula Mac, Inc. was sued in 2011 by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission over allegations of sexual harassment and sexual misconduct.
In the complaint, the EEOC alleges that since at least 2006, several male employees at the Reedsburg store sexually harassed female co-workers with incidents involving “sexual comments, kissing, touching of their private areas and forcing their hands onto the men’s private parts.”
Three former female workers filed discrimination charges with the EEOC, but when an out-of-court settlement could not be reached, the EEOC filed a civil rights lawsuit against Missoula Mac, Inc.
As part of the settlement, Missoula Mac has agreed to create a position to handle sexual harassment complaints, establish hotlines for employees to file complaints, begin sexual harassment training for employees, among other sexual harassment prevention and support tactics.
Sexual harassment is something many employees have to deal with at work. All persons are entitled to a work environment free from hostility and abuse, so if you or someone you know has been hurt by a sexual offender, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case.
Sexual harassment lawyers will fight for your rights and ensure the perpetrator is held accountable for their actions. They will also see to it you receive compensation for your pain and suffering and will help educate fellow workers on how to stop and prevent harassment in general.
To stop sexual abuse at the workplace right now, contact a sexual harassment attorney to discuss your options and file a case.
RCMP Officer Files Second Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Against the Force
July 9th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
CANADA – A female RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Police) officer in British Columbia has filed a second lawsuit against the national police force over sexual harassment.
Const. Karen Katz is suing the RCMP and Canada’s attorney general over sexual abuse allegations dating back to the late 1980s.
Katz filed a separate sexual harassment lawsuit earlier this year against fellow officer Baldev (David) Singh Bamra and the provincial and federal governments over similar allegations.
In her most recent statement, Katz contends a superior referred to her as a security risk and claimed she was infatuated with outlaw motorcycle gangs and biker men.
Katz, who has authored four books on outlaw biker culture, alleges was subjected to “offensive, humiliating and demeaning” sexual comments. However, none of her allegations have been proven in court.
Aside from Katz, several other current and former female officers have accused the RCMP of sexual harassment in a class-action lawsuit. Sexual harassment lawyers claim up to 150 women may come forward with harassment and discrimination accusations in the police force.
Sexual harassment is a serious crime, but unfortunately, many cases go unnoticed because victims are afraid to come forward. It is important for all sexual abuse victims to know that doing nothing about the situation almost guarantees it will continue or escalate. Victims of unwanted sexual conduct are encouraged to seek help from a sexual harassment lawyer to fight for their rights and ensure they obtain compensation for their pain and suffering.
Sexual harassment attorneys work hard to rid your workplace of hostility and fear. If you have been subjected to or witnessed someone be verbally or physically sexually assaulted, seek legal help immediately to ensure the offender is brought to justice. File a case with a sexual harassment attorney today.
Three West Coast Farms Face Sexual Harassment Lawsuits
Seattle, WA- The EEOC has filed three sexual harassment lawsuits against three farms in Oregon, and Washington on behalf of workers who claim they were subjected to range of abuses which include male-on-male sexual harassment, inappropriate touching and retaliation.
River Point Farms in Oregon is one of the farms facing a lawsuit. A female employee stated that one of her managers subjected her to sexually charged comments and was told she should be submissive to her husband. The manager actually encouraged the husband to murder his wife, which he eventually attempted, resulting in his arrest. The manger blamed the female employee and fired her.
Another farm in Washington, National Food Corporation, which sells eggs on the West Coast and in East Asia, was also hit with a lawsuit because of the abusive behavior of one of their managers. At one their farms, a manager allegedly touched female employees and requested sexual favors. When the women complained about the behavior they were fired.
Women are not the only victims of sexual harassment; one make worker for Roy Farms also filed a suit after he was sexually harassed by one of his male supervisors. The abuse included unwanted touching and sexual comments. The man reported the incidents, but his employer took no steps to correct the problem.
Sexual harassment in the agriculture business is a serious problem. In recent months, other farms have been sued for allowing a hostile work environment. A recent report from Human Rights Watch showed that workplace abuse is very common in the agricultural business where many of the workers are immigrants.
Although, the EEOC is capable of winning a settlement on behalf of the people they represent, people often decide to hire sexual harassment attorneys to maximize the settlement amounts they receive.