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| Sexual & Nonsecular Harassment |
A Chicago dentist will pay $462,500 to settle a sexual and religious harassment lawsuit filed by the US Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
According to the EEOC, James L. Orrington DMD, Ltd., discriminated against 18 employees by subjecting them to sexual harassment, including sexual propositions, comments, and touching.
Besides enduring offensive sexual misconduct, the EEOC says employees were also forced to engage in Scientology religious practices and to learn about Scientology as a condition of their employment.
Moreover, the EEOC's lawsuit accused the dental practice of retaliating against employees who complained about the sexual or religious harassment.
In addition to requiring a $462,500 payout, the settlement also prohibits the Orrington firm from mandating that employees follow the religious practices of Scientology or attend seminars regarding Scientology.
Orrington must also contract with an outside representative to receive and investigate complaints of sexual or religious discrimination, adopt and distribute a policy against harassment and retaliation, and provide training to employees.
"We're glad to see this case brought to a successful conclusion, with compensation to the victims and an injunction entered against Dr. Orrington's practice," said EEOC lawyer John Hendrickson. "The misconduct here was shameful – combining sex, forced Scientology, and putting people's jobs on the line – and it was especially shameful because the person doing it was a medical professional who occupied a position of trust in his community." [EEOC v. Orrington (USDC NDIL 2009) no. 07 C 5317]
For information on this topic tailored to your company profile, request: |
5840 Religion Discrimination
5925 Sexual Harassment Based on Sexual Favors
9515 Anti-Harassment Policy
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