News Summary
Lisa Gass has filed a lawsuit against the Michigan Department of Corrections, alleging sexual harassment by a former supervisor. The suit highlights a hostile work environment and retaliation over Gass’s claims. Gass’s attorney states that this case illustrates ongoing issues within the MDOC regarding the treatment of harassment claims. The outcome could have significant implications for workplace policies across state departments.
Detroit, Michigan – Legal Action for Alleged Sexual Harassment in State Department
Lisa Gass, a social media coordinator at the Michigan Department of Corrections (MDOC), has initiated a lawsuit against the department, its director, Heidi Washington, and former Public Information Officer, Chris Gautz. The suit, filed on May 4, 2023, in Wayne County Circuit Court, alleges sexual harassment, a hostile work environment, and retaliation, with Gass seeking unspecified monetary damages.
The allegations highlight a broader pattern of sexual harassment claims within the MDOC, emphasizing concerns around workplace safety and employee treatment. Gautz reportedly began the harassment shortly after Gass was hired in September 2021. He was her immediate supervisor and allegedly made frequent unwanted sexual comments and sent harassing texts, which contributed to a troubling work environment.
According to the lawsuit, Gautz sent Gass pornographic videos via Snapchat on Christmas Day in 2021, accompanied by a degrading message. Over time, the situation escalated to the point where Gass felt coerced into engaging in sexual acts with Gautz during work hours, fearing job loss if she refused his advances. The sexual relationship reportedly persisted until June 2023, despite Gass’s attempts to set personal boundaries, including communicating her engagement to another individual.
Documentation of Harassment
To support her claims, Gass provided documentation, including saved screenshots of messages and videos that would typically have self-deleted. One disturbing incident occurred during a work-related drive when Gautz allegedly coerced Gass into performing oral sex after she confided her personal issues regarding her boyfriend’s infidelity. The behavior purportedly continued to escalate, culminating at a work conference where Gautz pressured her into allowing him access to her hotel room, resulting in another unwanted sexual encounter.
Retaliation Claims
In June 2023, Gautz reportedly mischaracterized their relationship as consensual to the MDOC, attempting to turn the narrative against Gass. Following her report of harassment, Gass claims to have faced retaliation in the workplace, including diminished job responsibilities and increased performance scrutiny. Additionally, a planned reclassification of her role, which would have entailed a pay increase, was allegedly halted after she reported the misconduct.
MDOC’s Response
The MDOC has acknowledged receiving knowledge of the allegations but denied any claims of retaliation, asserting a strict zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment. Following the allegations, Gautz took an extended leave of absence before resigning to join Byrum & Fisk Advocacy Communications, a public relations firm.
Personal Impact and Advocacy
Gass has expressed the profound impact of the harassment on her mental health, stating it has left her feeling suicidal. Despite this, she credits her dog for inspiring her to persevere. She believes sharing her story is vital to help prevent future incidents of harassment and abuse within the MDOC.
Legal Representation and Broader Implications
Gass’s attorney, Jonathan Marko, has commented that her experience reflects a persistent issue within MDOC, where victims reportedly face retaliation instead of protection. This case may set important precedents for how harassment claims are handled within state departments, reinforcing the need for a safe workplace for all employees.
The ongoing situation sheds light on the complex dynamics of workplace harassment and the significant consequences for those brave enough to come forward. The outcome of this case may influence future policies and practices within MDOC and potentially catalyze broader change in how sexual harassment cases are managed across state agencies.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Detroit Free Press
- Fox 2 Detroit
- MLive
- CBS News
- Detroit News
- Wikipedia: Sexual Harassment
- Google Search: Sexual Harassment in Workplace
- Google Scholar: Sexual Harassment in Workplace
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Sexual Harassment
- Google News: Sexual Harassment Michigan
