The Fifth Appellate District reversed a judgment. The court held that a trial court erred in excluding “me too” evidence relating to an employer’s alleged harassing activity that occurred outside the employee/plaintiff’s presence and at times other than when she was employed by the defendant. (Wiseman, J.)
Lorraine Pantoja was employed as an office worker by Thomas Anton, an attorney. She was hired in April 2002 and was fired in October. Pantoja sued Anton, alleging violations of the Fair Employment and Housing Act, including wrongful termination in violation of public policy, battery, sexual battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. In particular, she claimed Anton fired her because she was a woman and that she suffered sexual harassment in the form of a hostile work environment created by Anton’s words and behavior. She also alleged racial discrimination.
