The Port Allen City Council decided behind closed doors during its Feb. 10 meeting to settle sexual harassment and gender discrimination claims a female police officer made against a high-ranking city official and the former Police Department administration.
Although the city takes the position the claims could be fought in court, city officials decided to settle with the complaining officer because defending the allegations in court likely would cost more than the $130,000 settlement, Woods said. As part of the settlement deal, Woods added, the city would neither disclose the specifics of the allegations nor would it name the parties involved.
The charges against the city are serious and should be treated that way. Sexual harassment and gender discrimination shouldn’t be taken lightly in Port Allen or anywhere else.
