Our client, a former Logistics Management Specialist at the Defense Information Systems Agency at the Department of Defense, was awarded $40,000 in compensatory damages after prevailing on summary judgment before an Administrative Judge at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Although the agency appealed the decision, on May 2, 2024, the EEOC affirmed the Judge’s findings and award.
After our client experienced discrimination on the basis of sex and was subjected to a hostile work environment due to her gender, we helped her to file an Equal Employment Opportunity complaint. She endured egregious sexual harassment, including sexually explicit comments related to her physical appearance, as well as physical touching. After she reported the conduct to management, the Agency failed to take all reasonable and necessary steps to correct the harassment.
The judge found, and the EEOC agreed, that while the agency did investigate the matter, their investigation was inadequate and came too late, concluding 118 days after the agency was first put on notice of the harassment. Further, an additional four months passed before the agency recommended any disciplinary action against the supervisor who harassed our client. Moreover, our client was forced to telework to avoid encountering her harasser while he remained in the workplace.
As a result of our work, the judge ruled in favor of our client, granting her compensatory damages and restoring leave she took because of the harassment. The agency must now also conduct training for all managers and supervisors in the division.
Our client’s experience is abhorrent and we are honored to have delivered her the justice she deserves. This case is yet another reminder of the importance of having strong advocates when you experience an unsafe, hostile or discriminatory workplace. No matter where you live in the United States, a harassment-free workplace is your right. If you have experienced sexual harassment in your workplace, contact our office today.
