Detroit EMT Sues For Sexual Harassment and ADA Discrimination

Posted by: Curt Varone December 23, 2011 3 Comments

An EMT with the Detroit Fire Department has filed suit against the department alleging sexual harassment, sexual assault, and discrimination under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

EMT Kimberly Asaro alleges that she was sexually assaulted and harassed by Battalion Chief Jack Wiley on a number of occasions dating back to 2007. An internal investigation cleared Chief Wiley. Asaro’s suit alleges she was denied a copy of the investigation report, and was told informally that Chief Wiley “meant no harm”.

Asaro also alleges that she had a medical condition, irritable bowel syndrome, that the department refused to accommodate by requiring her to wear a belt. The belt allegedly aggravated her symptoms. Last June, the EEOC found reasonable cause for her ADA claim, and proposed a settlement in the case, but the department refused to accept it.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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