Town of Cicero President Larry Dominick has seen his share of legal troubles. First, he was accused of race discrimination for firing a Hispanic worker. Now, he’s the subject of two sexual harassment lawsuits. And sworn statements made in one Larry Dominick sexual harassment suit have come back to haunt the town president in a second court action.
Former town employees Sharon Starzyk and Janidet Lujano accuse Dominick of sexual harassment in separate instances, reports the Chicago Sun-Times. The town president denied wrongdoing in both cases, but he’s been tripped up in sworn statements he’s made for the different court actions.
In the case of Starzyk, Dominick was asked if he had ever touched the woman, and Dominick responded "no" under oath back in 2009. However, earlier this year, Dominick made contrary statements where he admitted to not only touching Starzyk, but having sexual relations with her.
Dominick is now saying that he misinterpreted the original question -- whether he touched Starcyk -- as whether he had touched her "inappropriately." And his response was "no" he had never touched her inappropriately.
While Dominick's conflicting statements about touching are now dominating the news, it should be pointed out that sexual harassment does not actually require touching. Generally, sexual harassment means unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Someone can be sexually harassment based on comments, requests, and any other situation that can create a hostile work environment. Touching is just one way that sexual harassment can occur, not the only way.
The Larry Dominick sexual harassment suit continues and there has been a mini-uproar over conflicting statements the town chief made regarding touching Sharon Starzyk. As the case continues, it's a good reminder that touching is not necessary for sexual harassment.
Related Resources:
- Find a Chicago Employment Attorney (FindLaw)
- Cicero town president's woes include sex, lies and an FBI tape (Chicago Sun-Times)
- Discrimination and Harassment 101 (FindLaw)
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