Dr. Moreen B. Joseph v. Lee E. Monroe and Voorhees College

Dr. Moreen B. Joseph sued Lee E. Monroe and Voorhees College on a civil rights violation theory claiming that she was sexually harassed by the College President and that Voorhees College "acted with malice or with reckless indifference to the federally protected rights" of her rights.
Plaintiff claimed she was subjected to "lewd, gross and suggestive language of a sexual nature and unwanted touching" by Monroe for a period of several months in 2002 and 2003, creating a "hostile work environment." She further claimed that Monroe "repeatedly made unwelcome sexual advances and implied that if she would agree to his sexual advances, she would benefit personally and financially."
Joseph claimed that she "consistently and adamantly rejected ... Monroe's advances and, as a result, she was retaliated against, culminating in the loss of her position and more than $70,000 per year in income." She also claimed that she "suffered and continues to suffer severe emotional distress, psychological injury, mental suffering and humiliation."

Monroe and Voorhees College denied all of Joseph's allegations. The defendants acknowledged that Joseph notified one or more college officials, including Monroe, of "claimed sexual misconduct but failed to follow college policies and procedures with regard to investigating said wrongful conduct."

Plaintiff's verdict for $400,000 in punitive damages and $100,000 in compensatory damages.

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Editor's Note: Assuming that the verdict rendered by the jury withstand's Defendants' post trial motions, Plaintiff will be entitled to reimbursement of her costs and attorney fees which may equal or exceed the verdict and resulting judgment total.