Sexual harassment can occur in any workplace. From the most opulent corporate office to the job sites where employees perform tough physical labor, workers experience mistreatment of a sexual nature. Government jobs, even those involved with the justice system, are no different. A six-figure settlement in Georgia demonstrates how a hostile work environment can exist anywhere.
Alicia Wells-Lewis, a former municipal court employee within the Columbus Consolidated Government, received a payment of $100,000 after she accused Court Clerk Reginald Thompson of persistent sexual harassment. In her complaint to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), Wells-Lewis said Municipal Court Clerk Reginald Thompson made a series of offensive sexual remarks to her, then engaged in unlawful retaliation after she reported his misconduct.
According to the complaint, Thompson frequently made inappropriate statements, including direct sexual propositions and suggestive comments about her appearance. He allegedly told her he wanted to have sex, made comments about her body parts and even invited her to his house while his wife was away. Though she repeatedly rejected Thompson’s advances, Wells-Lewis did not relent, constituting the severe and pervasive harassment necessary to support a hostile work environment claim.
Furthermore, Wells-Lewis contended that after rejecting Thompson’s advances and reporting his behavior, she experienced adverse treatment, including angry, untrue comments about a sexual affair with a different co-worker. Retaliation in such cases can manifest as changes in job duties, hostile behavior or termination. These actions violate federal laws, including Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which protects employees from workplace harassment and retaliation.
Eventually, the mistreatment she received led Wells-Lewis to leave her position. She alleged that her departure was a constructive discharge due to the conditions she was experiencing. Rather than proceed to trial, the Columbus Consolidated Government settled the claim.
It does not matter where you work, sexual harassment is a form of illegal gender discrimination and should not be tolerated. Even if the person engaging in misconduct holds an official government position, it’s important to document what occurred and make a report to the proper authorities. If you’re not sure if the facts of your situation qualify you for legal relief or if you seek guidance on what specific steps to take, speaking with a proven Georgia employment lawyer is a good idea.
The Reddy Law Firm, P.C. in Alpharetta represents Georgia clients in sexual harassment claims and a full range of legal matters involving alleged workplace discrimination. For a consultation regarding your particular needs, please call 678-629-3246 or contact us online.
