MCAD Digest: Swenson v. Moini …Hostile Work Environment Claim Against Periodonist is Dismissed

Overview: In Swenson v. Moini, the MCAD found in favor of the Respondent and dismissed the complaint alleging gender-based discrimination and sexual harassment. The Complainant, the bookkeeper and office manager within a dental practice, claimed that a partner at the practice had created a hostile work environment through sexual harassment. The Complainant ultimately waived her claim against the corporation and pursued the allegations against the individual Respondent only.

In dismissing the complaint, the hearing officer determined that the allegations of hostile work environment sexual harassment were untimely. Furthermore, the conduct was not objectively offensive and therefore did not support a hostile work environment claim. Moreover, the Complainant failed to show that she was particularly distressed or offended by the Respondent’s behavior, as she continued to work for the Respondent for several years and did not complain.

Decision Date: February 26, 2018

Docket Number: 12-SEM-00348

Hearing Officer: Judith E. Kaplan

Claims: Employment discrimination based on gender, sexual harassment

Prevailing Party: Respondent

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