Opinion ID: 766113
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Caridad

Text: 31 Veronica Caridad, an African-American woman, began working for Metro-North in September 1992; after completing her training, she worked as an electrician until April 1995, when she resigned. Caridad was the only female working her shift, which included 12 men. 32 Caridad alleges that from March through September of 1994, her male supervisor, Will Clarke, sexually harassed her. She alleges several episodes, which included unwanted sexual touchings. During her deposition, Caridad testified that after these incidents she found it difficult to do her job because she didn't know when [Clarke] was going to do this, and every day [she felt she] could be subject to another attack. In addition, Caridad alleges that she was treated hostilely by her male co-workers: one allegedly told her that nobody cares what happens to you and that she had walked into a lion's den. She also stated that her work was unfairly criticized because of her sex. 33 Despite Metro-North's sexual harassment policy and the availability of procedures for lodging complaints, Caridad failed to report this harassment, at least initially. However, at a disciplinary hearing concerning her absenteeism, Caridad broke down, became very emotional, and complained of being sexually harassed. Caridad eventually spoke to Stephen Mitchell, Metro-North's Director of Affirmative Action, but she did not tell him the specifics of the attacks. Indeed, Caridad testified that although she complained that she was treated poorly, she never mentioned Clarke's sexual harassment to Mitchell. She further testified that she did not want Metro-North to investigate her complaints because she did not think an investigation would improve matters. She stated that she did not trust Metro-North or its equal employment office. 34 By letter dated February 10, 1995, Mitchell advised Caridad that, in light of her expressed wishes, he would not take further action until April. Despite Caridad's continued refusal to provide details about her harassment, Metro-North offered to transfer her to another shift; in addition, she was offered a service attendant position. Caridad declined the transfer, stating that she did not feel it would solve the problem because the other work site was also predominantly male. 35 On April 27, Caridad resigned from Metro-North. By letter dated May 11, Mitchell informed Caridad that [b]ased on your failure to contact me regarding the investigation/resolution of your internal discrimination complaint, I am administratively closing your complaint as of today. 36 Based on these facts, Metro-North moved for summary judgment, arguing that it could not be held liable for sexual harassment because Caridad had refused to cooperate in its efforts to investigate her complaint. On January 15, 1998, the District Court dismissed Caridad's sexual harassment claim. The Court stated: 37 [A]lthough Veronica Caridad complained of inappropriate physical contact and comments by co-workers and supervisors, she refused to cooperate with the investigation commenced by Metro-North into her allegations. Accordingly, even if these incidents could constitute harassment, the acts complained of cannot be imputed to Metro-North.