Posts Tagged ‘Sexual Harassment Investigation’
Louisiana Woman Files Harassment and Retaliation Suit against Cardinal Health
April 9th, 2013
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Shreveport, LA- A New Orleans area woman filed an employment discrimination suit against Cardinal Health alleging that she was fired for participating in a sexual harassment investigation, following a fight at a local fast food restaurant.
Natasha Williams, who began working at Cardinal Health in 2003, filed her discrimination and retaliation suit last December. According to her lawsuit, Williams alleges that she was let go because of her race and her previous involvement in a sexual harassment investigation.
One day while Williams was on a break she was having lunch with her husband and her family at a fast food restaurant. While there her husband got into a fist fight with one of her coworkers. After the fight was over, Williams returned to her job where she met with two supervisors, and explained that she did not know why the fight broke out, the Louisiana Record reported.
Cardinal health sent Williams home and told her to remain on leave until a police investigation was conducted. Four days later, Williams’ husband told her that he was angry over text messages her coworker sent her. Williams however said she had never read the messages. The coworkers and Williams’ husband apparently got into a fight over the messages in late 2011.
Williams was allowed to return to work and she told her supervisors what she had learned. She was allowed to work her regular schedule until 5 days later when she was fired for not being truthful in an investigation, the Louisiana Record said.
Williams believed her race and her previous involvement in a sexual harassment investigation led to her firing from Cardinal Health. Williams is seeking damages for lost wages, back and future pay, attorney’s fees and court costs.
Retaliation is often par for the course in sexual harassment and discrimination cases. Though it is in clear violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, many employers take retaliatory actions against employees who accuse a coworker of sexual harassment or those who cooperate with harassment investigations.
Retaliation can include going so far as to fire and employee or taking other actions such as cutting a workers hours, denying them deserved promotions, or harassment by coworkers.
Harassment and discrimination can lead to a toxic environment in a workplace. Left unchecked a hostile work environment can affect a businesses’ turnover, worker productivity, and make an employer vulnerable to lawsuits.
Too often, sexual harassment and discrimination goes unreported in the workplace because people fear they will be unjustly disciplined or fired simply for bringing allegations against another to light. If a worker feels they will be fired for speaking out about inappropriate behavior, then the misconduct can persist. The law forbidding retaliation exists so that employees feel safe to report any behaviors that make others feel embarrassed, uncomfortable or humiliated.
Workers in Shreveport who have been harassed or retaliated against have a legal recourse and may be entitled to significant compensation. If you have been subjected to harassment, discrimination or retaliation a Louisiana sexual harassment attorney can make certain you get a just settlement for your troubles.
New York Ethics Agency Discusses Whether to Pursue Sexual Harassment Investigation
September 4th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
ALBANY, NY – A state ethics agency is discussing whether to launch a formal investigation into a sexual harassment case centering on the Democratic-controlled Assembly.
The New York State Joint Commission on Public Ethics (JCOPE) is reviewing the details of a sexual harassment allegations filed against Brooklyn Assemblyman Vito Lopez. According to the claims, Lopez sexually harassed and groped two female staff members.
A separate ethics panel last month sided with the alleged victims and Lopez was stripped of his Assembly committee chairman’s job and has lost his leadership of the Brooklyn Democratic Party.
Lopez is denying he committed any wrongdoing.
According to a JCOPE spokesman, the panel may not publicly disclose whether or not it will choose to pursue the investigation into the sexual harassment incident.
Sexual harassment involves any unwelcome and unwanted sexual conduct that can create a hostile work environment. Instances can be as simple as a sexual joke or as severe as rape. Regardless of the type of incident, victims have a right to seek legal help. If you or someone you know has been victimized, speak to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately.
Sexual harassment lawyers stop at nothing to ensure the offender is brought to justice. They also work diligently to make sure your rights are upheld and ensure you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. With an acclaimed sexual harassment attorney on your side, you can be sure your case will end favorably.
While sexual harassment is in direct violation of a person’s rights, not everyone chooses to come forward out of fear for the offender or of retaliation. Unfortunately, doing nothing almost guarantees the actions will not cease. Don’t suffer sexual harassment anymore; speak to a sexual harassment attorney today to file a claim.
Parents of Sexually Abused Children File Lawsuit Against Los Angeles School District
July 11th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
LOS ANGELES, CA – Fourteen mothers who claim their children were sexually abused by a Los Angeles teacher have sued the school district on Tuesday seeking damages for “generalized shock and trauma.”
In addition to damages, the lawsuit seeks unspecified “compensatory economic and special damages for medical expenses,” including therapy for the children, as well as changes to the Los Angeles Unified School District’s policies regarding teacher misconduct.
The case involves claims that former teacher Mark Berndt, of Miramonte Elementary, sexually abused several children.
Berndt, 61 who is being held on $23 million bond, faces 23 felony counts of lewd acts on children between 7 and 10 years old.
All but two of the victims were girls.
The lawsuit claims Berndt took photographs of the children “with cookies in the mouths of plaintiff’s children, and/or blindfolded the children, and/or placed cockroaches on the bodies of plaintiff’s children, for the intent of arousing and gratifying the lust, passions and sexual desires of Mark Berndt.”
Berndt was fired in January 2011 after school officials learned of the sexual harassment investigation. Authorities said they discovered nearly 600 images allegedly taken by Berndt in his classroom.
Berndt, who had been teaching for 30 years, initially challenged the school district’s decision to dismiss him but eventually dropped his appeal and resigned in spring 2011.
Sexual harassment includes any unwelcome and unwanted sexual acts, including lewd jokes, requests for sex in exchange for benefits, or violent attacks. If you or someone you know has been victimized, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer immediately for help.
Sexual harassment lawyers ensure that the offender is held accountable for their actions and fight so you can obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Contact a team of sexual harassment attorneys today to file a case.
Seneca Police Department Officers accused of Sexual Harassment
January 10th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
SENECA, SC – A sexual harassment investigation is underway against the Seneca Police Department.
Several officers have already left the department, and another was demoted as a result of the sexual harassment investigations.
Allegedly, an employee of the Seneca Police department wrote a letter at the beginning of December, making allegations of sexual harassment.
“I am writing this as an attempt to address an issue I have had in my work environment over the past few months concerning unwanted sexual comments and gestures. This has been an ongoing issue and has happened on several occasions by several officers,” wrote the victim.
The victim went on to say that she felt uncomfortable going to work because there was always a co-worker looking at her in a sexual manner.
Since the investigation began, a few officers have already quit and one particular officer, Dean Awalt, was demoted from Captain to Corporal.
No information regarding the other employees has been released because it would be a violation of privacy laws.
“We received an internal complaint and investigated the matter quickly, thoroughly and properly. We have put the matter behind us and are continuing the job of protecting and serving the people of Seneca,” said Seneca Police Chief John Covington, in a statement to 7 On Your Side.
Sexual harassment can be anything from a lewd comment someone overhears at work, to a request for sexual favors, to an overt physical attack like rape. No matter how serious or how mild the behavior, all sexual harassment incidents violate a victim’s rights. If you or someone you know has been hurt by a sexual offender, turn to a leading sexual harassment lawyer to ensure the offender is brought to justice.
Sexual harassment lawyers work diligently to ensure the perpetrator is held liable for their actions. They will also make sure you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering. Speak to a top team of sexual harassment lawyers immediately to fight for your rights and ensure that your workplace is rid of hostility.
High School student retires following sexual harassment investigation
December 30th, 2011
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
NEW MILFORD – A New Milford High School teacher has retired following a sexual harassment claim that was filed against him.
Stephen Flanagan is being investigated by the school district, but the findings concluded that even though there were no indications that Flanagan’s actions “were motivated by sexual desire or interest,” he is unable or unwilling to follow school board policies.
The social studies teacher received strong support from colleagues, former and current students after being suspended earlier this month after a staff member filed a sexual or other harassment complaint against him.
The complaint claims Flanagan missed one meeting and was late to another because he met with a female student “to provide emotional support.”
The staff member who filed the complaint allegedly observed Flanagan “sitting with the student while rubbing her back in a circular, up and down motion.”
The report found “the complaint is credible” and that upon further investigation, it was revealed that Flanagan used his own money to assist the student with “the college process.”
Flanagan was disciplined earlier this year after a complaint was filed by the parent of another female student alleging “inappropriate conduct and gifts by Mr. Flanagan towards that student.”
The report states Flanagan had been warned about complying with school board policies and to follow proper procedures “should he feel the need to attend to the emotional needs of students in the future.”
Sexual harassment can include anything from a general sexual joke to an overt physical attack. The one thing all sexual harassment behaviors have in common is that they are unwanted and unwelcomed. If you or someone you know has been victimized, speak to a skilled team of sexual harassment lawyers to ensure your workplace is rid of fear and hostility.
Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to make sure the unwanted sexual behaviors cease immediately and that the perpetrator is brought to justice. Your sexual harassment lawyer will fight for your rights and ensure you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering.
Contact a leading team of sexual harassment lawyers today to discuss your options and file a claim.
Two University of Akron Employees Resign Following Sexual Harassment Investigation
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.