Former Employee Files Lawsuit against Spartanburg Community College Accusing College of Gender Discrimination
Federal Lawsuit brought forth by a Former Employee
A lawsuit has recently been filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina by a former employee against Spartanburg Community College (SCC) alleging gender discrimination, sexual harassment, attempted sexual assault, and retaliation. The complainant has named a former vice president of the college as the alleged perpetrator, accusing him of making sexual advances over a period of five years. The details of the lawsuit suggest a hostile work environment was created that led to her termination in September 2020.
College’s Response to the Allegations
SCC has declined to comment on the pending lawsuit with the college denying the allegations against the former vice president and the conduct of the college regarding the matter in their official response. However, no response was provided to requests for comments from HERE News.
Lawsuit Details
The lawsuit filed alleges that the employee was exposed to gender discrimination as stipulated under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act. The claims include creating a hostile work environment, retaliation against the complainant, and different treatment because of her gender. ‘Quid pro quo’ behavior was also reported where the complainant alleges that she was offered favorable treatment in return for sexual or romantic relations with the former vice president.
“No woman or employee should ever have to endure what she went through,” said Chance Sturup, the attorney representing the complainant, emphasizing the seriousness of the case and affirming his commitment to seeking justice.
The Timeline of Incidents
According to the lawsuit, the pattern of alleged incidents started back in January 2015. The former employee reported that she was solicited for a romantic relationship, subjected to sexual advances, and attempted groping in the office. She claimed that the former vice president exerted his authority to create vulnerable situations where he could solicit her for sexual or romantic favors.
Accusations of Inappropriate Conduct and Intimidation
In November 2019, a series of intense incidents reportedly took place. On November 19, she received a text from the former vice president in which he mentioned being ‘dreaming about her’. A couple of days later, another encounter led to him asserting his dominance and telling her that he was ‘the alpha male’ both at work and at her house.
Even after reporting this to the human resources office, the college denied that any physical altercation took place during a meeting where the woman alleged that she was lunged at in an attempt to grab her chest or neck.
Lack of Action from SCC
Amid these recurring allegations, the dismissal from her position at the college fueled the woman’s legal action further. The lawsuit claims she was wrongfully terminated for reporting her concerns to the human resources department and to upper management. SCC has yet to specify why she was terminated, only providing a reason of ‘misconduct’ in the termination letter.
Regarding Due Process
Every case that alleges discrimination or retaliation must first be processed through the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a federal agency that investigates workplace discrimination violations. According to Attorney Sturup, his client meticulously followed this process over several years before filing the lawsuit officially.
Claim for Damages
The lawsuit as filed seeks back pay, front pay, and compensatory damages related to the emotional distress, humiliation, and mental anguish experienced by the plaintiff. No specific monetary amount has been attached to these claims as damages.
