Teacher union is sued
Advocate alleges sex bias, hostile workplace at MEA
By BETTY ADAMS
Staff Writer Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 11/15/2007

AUGUSTA -- The woman who has long represented Augusta-area teachers at the bargaining table is suing her employer, the Maine Education Association, saying it permits a workplace rife with sexual harassment and discrimination.

Joan Morin, of Whitefield, who was hired by Maine Education Association in 1996 as a labor advocate, claims a co-worker made demeaning comments about her gender "for many years" and the organization's executive director failed to stop it.

The lawsuit was filed Tuesday in Kennebec County Superior Court by Morin's attorney, Walter McKee.

"Primarily, this discriminatory conduct has been perpetuated by MEA employee Keith Harvie," the lawsuit says.

Morin's lawsuit says Harvie "continuously undermined (Morin's) work product" and "cast derogatory statements as to her work and her gender."

It quotes statements allegedly made by Harvie: "I am an alpha male and you're an alpha female; we can't have both. I am top dog, not you. You're the only woman I know with balls."

Harvie did not respond to a message left on his office phone Wednesday afternoon.

W. Gary Kohlman of the Washington, D.C., law firm Bredhoff & Kaiser is representing the education association and denied the claims.

"On behalf of MEA, the allegations in the complaint have been thoroughly investigated and found to be without merit," Kohlman said Wednesday.

The complaint alleges Morin filed an internal complaint about Harvie in June 2006, which was investigated by a different lawyer with Bredhoff & Kaiser.

As a result of that investigation, Harvie was suspended for five days without pay.

Later, Morin's lawsuit says, that discipline was rescinded.

Morin claims gender discrimination, imposition of a hostile work environment, intentional infliction of emotional distress, and negligent supervision. She seeks punitive damages from the association.

She also says she suffered retaliation a result of filing a complaint with the Maine Human Rights Commission in July 2006. The complaint was not resolved there, and the commission issued a right-to-sue letter. The commission made no ruling on the matter, however.

"Joan Morin is a top-notch employee of MEA and is universally respected around the state for her incredible work on behalf of teachers and other school employees," McKee said in a press release.

"For her to have to endure this kind of treatment is unthinkable."

Morin has represented the Augusta teachers' union in grievances, contract negotiations, as well as teachers in School Administrative District 11, which educates students from Gardiner, Randolph, West Gardiner and Pittston.

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com

Bookmark and share this story: digg del.icio.us Reddit


Reader comments

Sort by: Oldest First | Newest first

Nonny of Gainesville, FL
Nov 15, 2007 6:46 AM
"I am an alpha male and you're an alpha female; we can't have both. I am top dog, not you. You're the only woman I know with balls."...this used to be a compliment to independent women! I guess the days of feminism are over. Sounds like someone was competing and didn't like losing. IF there were indeed problems, why would someone apparently so "strong" and "bright" put up with crap for so long? My employer slapped my butt twice in the 80's and it stopped after that second slap. And I turned the other "cheek;" I didn't sue. Anyway, HOPEFULLY THE TRUTH WILL COME OUT, but I truly am sick of sexual harrassment being defined as the first time someone is asked out or if anyone is offended by a first-time joke. We went overboard with the legislation and forgot the meaning of the word "harrassment" (it takes more than once to harrass). Morin is either a victim or she's a wuss. report abuse
Betty Kinney of York, ME
Nov 15, 2007 7:41 AM
I know both parties.

It is a sad day for the MEA. Joan Morin is a very strong woman and her skills are best suited for employment by the MEA only- she cannot practice her trade at any other organization. She was specifically trained for the job she does.

Mr Harvie is very good at what he does as well. While they work for the same organization, they don't work in the same department (as far as I know- it may have changed) His comment was taken out of context, but as it reads, it is out of line. An apology would have taken care of one comment, but discrimination cases are not usually filed because of one comment made in the heat of an argument.

It's no longer the 80's, Nonny. No one gets slapped on the butt anymore anywhere- not even once. It's disrespectful and most people understand that. Read the article again- this alleged behavior has gone on for many years. The first complaint was in 2006. The quote was one example of what was said. As part of her job, Joan Morin was trained to document details- keep a paper trail, a journal, whatever it takes to prove the case. I assume more will come out in court.

It is a very sad day for the MEA.report abuse
Brian of West Gardiner, ME
Nov 15, 2007 8:40 AM
Its no wonder...the MEA is full of democrats, what do you expect?report abuse
TBrady of Gillette Stadium, ME
Nov 15, 2007 8:59 AM
The article forgot to add that Harvie, after the first suspension, moved to Gainesville, FL and now is a full-time blogger/ newspaper commenter using the name Nonny...report abuse

Show all 10 comments

You must be a registered user of MaineToday.com to post a comment. Register or log in.