PROTECTING
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
EMPLOYEE RIGHTS
Federal Jury Awards Lifeguard $3.5 Million for Sexual Harassment and Retaliation
A federal jury in the District of Columbia has awarded $3.5 million in damages for pain and suffering to a former lifeguard of a public pool based on allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation. In her lawsuit, Plaintiff alleged that she was “sexually harassed by a supervisor,” and was fired after complaining about the behavior. Plaintiff alleged that shortly after starting her job, her supervisor began to harass her by asking her on dates and whether she “had a man.” When Plaintiff rebuffed the supervisor’s advances, the harassment intensified – the manager began making references to Plaintiff’s genitalia and said he “wanted some of that” for his birthday. He also allegedly stroked her hair and made repeated sexual advances and comments. Plaintiff reported her supervisor’s behavior to multiple other supervisors, but the harassment did not stop. Plaintiff was ultimately fired shortly after she filed a written complaint. See Washington Post’s reporting on this lawsuit