Smart Versus City of Miami Beach
City of Miami Beach
Sexual harassment is illegal and should not occur in the workplace, but when it does employment lawyers such as Tayeb Hyderally have the expertise to successfully litigate the case. Ty Hyderally not only has litigated cases in courts for many years and experienced great success; he has also worked closely with businesses and various organizations to help inform individuals of their rights in the workplace. He diligently informs both employers and employees about their particular rights and responsibilities concerning employment law. He also works with corporate officials to help develop and implement courses of action for reporting and handling instances of discrimination in the workplace, including sexual harassment. Title VII of the US Civil Rights Act of 1964 provides protection for workers in the workplace who have the right to a harassment free and discrimination free workplace. They are also protected from retaliatory actions when they report such misconduct. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) is the agency empowered by the government to ensure that employment laws in the US are followed.
Marlenis Smart vs. City of Miami Beach
Marlenis Smart was a firefighter and a paramedic for the City of Miami Beach. She started in this position in the early parts of 2005 and stated that from her first day at work she continued to be the victim of sexist remarks and sexual harassment that continued for years. In 2008, Smart was hospitalized with chest pains that she said were work related stress induced and subsequently, she filed for an administrative leave of absence in February of 2008. In March of 2008 Ms. Smart filed a complaint against the city with the EEOC. The EEOC provided Ms. Smart with a “Right to Sue” letter. In May of 2010, Ms. Smart filed a lawsuit in Miami in the federal courts. She alleged that she had been sexually harassed and had experienced gender discrimination on the job because she was female. The city allegedly retaliated against Ms. Smart by giving her a 240 hour suspension and attempting to have the Florida Health Department revoke her EMS license.
The Jury Decides
In court, the jury found that Ms. Smart was indeed harassment by her male supervisors and coworkers and that it was pervasive and severe. Smart was frequently and repeatedly abused verbally by coworkers who told crude jokes and made sexist slurs. On one occasion her bathing suit came up missing from her work locker and when it was found back in the locker it had a substance on it that appeared to be semen. Oftentimes male coworkers walked in while she was showering and when she petitioned the fire department to put up a curtain to afford her some privacy, the request was denied. One coworker passed her a flyer that she perceived as a death threat. The flyer contained a photograph of her and an X marking out her face with the caption, “Next Fire Last Fire Liar.” The jury agreed that Ms. Smart had been exposed to a very hostile work environment and they agreed that she had endured sexual harassment for years. The result was damaging to her both mentally and emotionally. The verdict of the jury won her $700,000 in retribution. Smart continues to work at the Miami fire station that is planning on appealing the jury’s decision.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
This is just one example of sexual harassment in the workplace and although it seems extreme, it occurs all too often. Employees and employers must be educated on how to handle these types of situations which include sexual harassment and discrimination. An employment law attorney such as Ty Hyderally can help settle these types of cases.
Marlenis Smart vs. City of Miami Beach
Marlenis Smart was a firefighter and a paramedic for the City of Miami Beach. She started in this position in the early parts of 2005 and stated that from her first day at work she continued to be the victim of sexist remarks and sexual harassment that continued for years. In 2008, Smart was hospitalized with chest pains that she said were work related stress induced and subsequently, she filed for an administrative leave of absence in February of 2008. In March of 2008 Ms. Smart filed a complaint against the city with the EEOC. The EEOC provided Ms. Smart with a “Right to Sue” letter. In May of 2010, Ms. Smart filed a lawsuit in Miami in the federal courts. She alleged that she had been sexually harassed and had experienced gender discrimination on the job because she was female. The city allegedly retaliated against Ms. Smart by giving her a 240 hour suspension and attempting to have the Florida Health Department revoke her EMS license.
The Jury Decides
In court, the jury found that Ms. Smart was indeed harassment by her male supervisors and coworkers and that it was pervasive and severe. Smart was frequently and repeatedly abused verbally by coworkers who told crude jokes and made sexist slurs. On one occasion her bathing suit came up missing from her work locker and when it was found back in the locker it had a substance on it that appeared to be semen. Oftentimes male coworkers walked in while she was showering and when she petitioned the fire department to put up a curtain to afford her some privacy, the request was denied. One coworker passed her a flyer that she perceived as a death threat. The flyer contained a photograph of her and an X marking out her face with the caption, “Next Fire Last Fire Liar.” The jury agreed that Ms. Smart had been exposed to a very hostile work environment and they agreed that she had endured sexual harassment for years. The result was damaging to her both mentally and emotionally. The verdict of the jury won her $700,000 in retribution. Smart continues to work at the Miami fire station that is planning on appealing the jury’s decision.
Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
This is just one example of sexual harassment in the workplace and although it seems extreme, it occurs all too often. Employees and employers must be educated on how to handle these types of situations which include sexual harassment and discrimination. An employment law attorney such as Ty Hyderally can help settle these types of cases.