Ex-mayor Bob Filner of San Diego wasn’t in office even a year before he resigned. His resignation took place in 2013 after more than a dozen women came forward with claims of sexual harassment. San Diego is now settling with one of his victims, who was the mayor’s executive assistant.
The woman claimed that there were more than 12 separate incidents of sexual harassment by the former mayor. Now the city has agreed to pay her $667,000. The incidents allegedly included the former mayor making requests to hug and kiss her, groping her buttocks and attempting to touch her breasts.
The attorney for the city said that they decided to agree on a settlement because the woman had a good, solid case with “impelling evidence” of sexual harassment over several months. He said that he also expects to settle two more cases bringing the total payouts to close to $1 million. This public lawsuit has put a blemish on the city of San Diego, being the largest settlement ever paid out by the city.
Employees who rise to the top, whether they are politicians, CEOs or managers, have a responsibility to set an example. If you believe you are being sexually harassed or mistreated at your place of employment, whether by a manager or a colleague, you should seek legal advice.
Many people will not report sexual harassment, discrimination or other workplace misconduct because they are afraid of retaliation. Don’t let this stop you. It is illegal for an employer to retaliate in any way when an employee reports misconduct in the workplace.
Source: Los Angeles Times, “San Diego settles sexual harassment suit against ex-mayor for $667,000,” David Garrick, Feb. 02, 2016
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