Tolleson said that she expects the company to defend the actions as horseplay. I hate to think of public monies flowing to companies that tolerate this kind of conduct. The lawsuit was filed under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, a provision enacted nearly 20 years ago to protect women and minorities against discrimination. Over the years, Title VII has been expanded by the courts to punish employers for sexual harassment. The complaint alleges that Sheridan was subjectd to a hostile work environment in violation of federal law and then was fired in retaliation for asserting his rights.
Federal law prohibits retaliatory termination.
The suit seeks back pay and punitive damages. The Colorado Legal Initiatives Project was formed in 1992 to spearhead the legal challenge to Amendment 2. LIP continues to litigate cases designed to expand the legal rights of gays and lesbians. Copyright 2000 Colorado Legal Initiatives Project. All rights reserved.