Case Summaries

Complainant alleged Respondent discriminated against her when she was subjected to unwelcome comments and conduct of a sexual nature by one of Respondent’s owners. The complainant asserted she felt she had no choice but to resign after Respondent’s owner forcibly kissed her. Respondent denied Complainant’s allegations and asserted Complainant initiated the kiss. A
Resolution Conference was held on January 8, 2024, wherein the parties resolved the complaint through a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement, which required Respondent to provide training to its owners, managers and employees in the laws prohibiting discrimination, adopting non-discrimination and sexual harassment policies, and procedures dictating how Respondent handles complaints of discrimination and/or sexual harassment. Respondent agreed to pay Complainant $9,900.00 in make whole relief. On or around June 11, 2024, the Commission was notified that all terms of the agreement had been met, and a closing order was issued shortly after.

Complainant alleged Respondent discriminated against her based on both her disabilities and race when her manager denied a reasonable accommodation for her disability, and then subsequently
terminated her employment after she put in her two weeks’ notice. Respondent denied Complainant’s allegations. A Resolution Conference was held on November 17, 2023, during which the parties agreed to a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement; Respondent agreed to provide training to its employees on the laws prohibiting discrimination in the workplace, as well as pay Complainant $8000.00. On or around February 5, 2024, the Commission received notice that all terms of the agreement had been met, and the case was closed.

Complainant alleged she was retaliated against for complaining of sexual harassment. Complainant reported a male contractor subjected her to both inappropriate sexual comments and inappropriate touching. When Complainant reported the harassment, she was told it would be addressed, but the harassment continued. Complainant reported the ongoing behavior to Respondent’s Human Resources who then moved her to an office position. A Resolution Conference was facilitated, and the parties entered a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement on December 26, 2023, with Respondent compensating Complainant $4,000.00. On or around January 8, 2024, the Commission was notified that all terms of the agreement have been met, and a closing order was issued.

Complainant, a seasonal worker, alleged Respondent was treating him as disabled. Respondent denied the allegations, and asserted it was making a sound business decision due to issues with Complainant. A Resolution Conference was held, and an agreement was reached; Complainant received a settlement of $6,500.00, and Commission staff agreed to facilitate training for Respondent. On or around February 21, 2024, the Commission was notified that Respondent had completed all obligations in the agreement, and the case was closed.

Complainant alleged she was discriminated against based on her disabilities. Complainant requested that Respondent provide reasonable accommodations, including providing a daily task list and not approaching Complainant in an aggressive manner. Respondent failed to engage in the interactive process and refused to provide an effective accommodation; Complainant resigned. A Resolution Conference was held on May 3, 2023, and the parties entered into a Pre-Determination Settlement Agreement in which Respondent agreed to compensate Complainant $10,000. Respondent also agreed to review its existing Americans with Disabilities Act and anti-discrimination policies, as well as to train its management staff on the laws prohibiting discrimination. On or around February 23, 2024, the Commission was notified that all terms of the agreement have been met, and the case was closed.