In a high-profile case, the former Grammy CEO and president of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, has filed a law suit asserting numerous claims of employment discrimination. The complaint asserts various charges including sexual harassment, gender discrimination, unequal pay, and retaliation. This case underscores the fact that unlawful discrimination occurs in all types of job, and at all levels of employment. Even those with high profile, high paying jobs are not immune from negative, disparate and discriminatory conduct.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) prohibits discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, sex and national origin. It also makes it illegal to retaliate against those who complain about discrimination or participate as a witness in other’s discrimination lawsuits.
In this instance, the fired CEO alleged that she faced retaliation after she made efforts to increase diversity and revise the “boy’s club” attitude at the Academy. According to reports, her efforts were allegedly met with resistance and she was stripped of many of her job responsibilities including the ability to hire and fire. She also faced sexually harassing behaviors, such as being repeatedly referred to as “baby,” being subjected to comments on her appearance, and having to fend off unwelcome advances.
The Academy denies these allegations.
Despite greater awareness concerning sexual harassment and discrimination at work, unlawful discrimination remains prevalent in many places of employment, regardless of job title. If you believe you have faced any type of employment discrimination, it is crucial to fight back. Contact an Atlanta employment discrimination lawyer immediately for a discussion of your rights and your next steps.
For more information, please call our Georgia employment law firm, Buckley Bala Wilson Mew, for a confidential case evaluation.