DHSDHS in settlement talks with employee who charged that ICE was being run “frat style”
DHS has entered into settlement talks with James Hayes, the head of New York ICE office, following a suit filed by Hayes against DHS secretary Janet Napolitano and ICE; the suit charged two female executives at ICE with turning the agency into a “frat house,” and with discrimination against male employees of the agency
Napolitano under attack for allowing a frat house atmosphere at DHS // Source: .yahoo.com
The federal government has begun settlement talks with an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) official whose lawsuit, claiming discrimination, retaliation, and sexist behavior, has led to the resignation of a top official at the agency.
Fox News reports that James Hayes, head of the New York ICE, sued DHS secretary Janet Napolitano in May, claiming he was overlooked for promotion in favor of female employees, and then demoted when he complained. Hayes also accused the-ICE chief of staff, Suzanne Barr, of running a “frat house”-style agency, according to court papers.
His claims, bolstered by affidavits of other ICE male employees, led to Barr resigning her post, although she stated to ICE director John Morton that the allegations against her were “unfounded” and considered the suit a tactic “designed to destroy my reputation.”
Court documents show that the case has been referred to a magistrate judge for “settlement purposes” while the suit itself was put on hold. Hayes was originally suing for $335,000.
Hayes’s attorney, Morris Fischer, confirmed in a statement to Fox News that “bothparties motioned the court to stay the litigation of this case and set the matter down for mediation.”
“This motion was filed in an effort to settle this case.” Fischer said.
Barr’s resignation comes almost three weeks after she went on leave following the allegations. She took the step after two affidavits were filed,recounting incidents involving Barr in 2009.
One ICE employee claimed that during a discussion about Halloween plan in 2009, Barr turned to a senior ICE employee and said. “You a sexy (expletive):” “She then looked at his crotch and asked ‘How long is it,anyway?’”
Other allegations say that Barr once moved the desks of three male agents to the men’s bathroom at ICE headquarters,as well as Barr calling a male agent into his hotel room and asking to have oral sex with him.
