Federal court lets former PCAOB employee Sue Lee's hostile work environment claim proceed
Key points
- The court found Sue Lee made sufficient allegations of a hostile work environment based on race, national origin and political affiliation, defeating PCAOB's summary judgment motion
- The claim concerns her supervisor's alleged comments, including repeatedly calling Covid-19 the "kung flu"
- The court granted summary judgment to PCAOB on her other claims
Judge Colleen Kollar-Kotelly of the US District Court for the District of Columbia ruled Wednesday that former PCAOB employee Sue Lee made sufficient allegations of a hostile work environment based on race, national origin and political affiliation to defeat summary judgment. The claim concerns her supervisor's alleged comments, including repeatedly calling Covid-19 the "kung flu." The court granted summary judgment to PCAOB on her other claims. For reference only; not legal advice.
What employers should do
- Review management communications and training to guard against harassment complaints based on race, national origin and political affiliation
Policy details
- Jurisdiction
- US District Court for the District of Columbia
- Status
- Court ruling
- Effective date
- —
- Employers covered
- Public Company Accounting Oversight Board
- Official source
- Official source pending
Original report: Bloomberg Law News ↗Edited with AI assistance. Facts are based on official sources and original reports. For information only; not legal, immigration or insurance advice.