Meredith Karasch

Court of Appeal Decision re Faculty Member Termination (2021) – In a case involving a college sociology professor charged with harassing students on the basis of their gender and LGBTQ status and for interfering with an investigation directive by contacting a student witness, the Court of Appeal issued a 2-1 unpublished decision in the District’s favor. The Court of Appeal reversed the trial court and ordered that it issue a writ instructing the arbitrator to terminate the faculty member’s employment. The decision emphasized that the unfit faculty member should not be reinstated, and that his lack of remorse further confirmed dismissal as the appropriate remedy. The majority opinion also recognized the harm the faculty member’s conduct had on students. LCW handled the disciplinary appeal arbitration, Petition for Writ of Mandate and the appeal.

Mack and Gossett v. City of Hawthorne (2013) – Plaintiffs were housing department employees who were investigated by the City for taking bribes in return for moving them up on the waiting list low-income housing. The District Attorney filed charges and then dropped the charges before there was a criminal trial. Plaintiffs sued for retaliation, race, gender, and disability discrimination, harassment, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. After Plaintiffs presented their evidence to a jury, the judge dismissed the case and entered judgment in favor of the City. An appellate court affirmed the trial court’s rulings.