There are some career fields that have been historically dominated by one sex or the other. Although most of those professions now allow the employment of both men and women, there are still some workplaces and jobs in which those old discriminatory lines have not been erased. For employers who condone, or do nothing to stop, workplace discrimination this can result in legal issues should an employee choose to file a complaint.
The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office is reportedly facing an investigation by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) following a complaint of gender and race discrimination by a woman who has worked in the office since 1985. According to reports, the woman, a lieutenant with the department, reported the harassment to the EEOC after she claimed the office did next to nothing to address the inappropriate behavior.
In her complaint, it was reported that the woman alleged that she had been subjected to explicit comments and remarks, at least one of which was purportedly made by another of her superiors. It was reported that the sergeant was transferred to another department after she reported the incident, but years later she found herself working once again in the same division as him. The lieutenant also reportedly claimed that a superior told her that a promotion in 1998 she had earned had only been given to her because she was black. According to reports, since the complaint was filed, at least one other woman has come forward with similar allegations.
If you feel you have been the victim of gender or some other type of illegal discrimination, you may consider consulting with an attorney to discuss taking legal action. A lawyer can offer advice based on your situation and answer any other questions that you may have.
Source: Minnesota Public Radio News, “Henn. Co. black female officer complains of racial, sexual harassment,” Brandt Williams, Nov. 18, 2013