Lawyer Alleges Two Harassed In Coatesville

Map of Pennsylvania highlighting Chester County (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Since exposing racist and sexist texts between the former Coatesville Area School District superintendent and former high school athletic director, two district employees have been subjected to continuing harassment from administrators, including the acting superintendent, a lawyer for the two has alleged.

In an e-mail to the school board Sunday, Sam Stretton also called on acting superintendent Angelo Romaniello to step down.

In response, school board president Neil Campbell issued a statement on behalf of the district, calling Stretton’s claim of harassment “ridiculous.” The district was simply following policy regarding litigation it believed was possibly forthcoming on behalf of the two employees, technology director Abdallah Hawa and Teresa Powell, the acting assistant superintendent, Campbell said.

In a brief phone call Sunday, Romaniello said he “extremely, vehemently disagrees” with Stretton’s allegations. He would not comment further.

Read more at http://www.philly.com/philly/education/20130930_In_Coatesville_schools_scandal__harassment_alleged.html#RruM1UXmkte57k0f.99

Fired West Reading Officer Cleared Of Harassment

Map of Berks County, Pennsylvania, United States with township and municipal boundaries (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Former West Reading Police Officer Ronald E. Ladd has been cleared of a harassment charge stemming from the altercation last August that resulted in his firing.

The ruling, issued Friday by Berks County Judge Timothy J. Rowley, overturned Ladd’s November conviction, which carried a $300 fine and courts costs.

“I’m thankful,” Ladd said Monday of his successful appeal. “Very thankful for the judge to be able to look at this unbiased, and deep in my heart I knew that eventually justice would be served.  And I’m just very thankful.”

Despite the good news in court, Ladd remains without a job a week after West Reading’s Civil Service Commission upheld his November firing from the borough force.

Read more:   http://readingeagle.com/article.aspx?id=494617

Harrisburg Public Works Director Ernie Hoch Quits, Pursues Harassment Complaint Against Mayor Linda Thompson

Recreation of the flag of the city of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, from common knowledge. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Harrisburg‘s Public Works Director Ernie Hoch filed a harassment claim against Mayor Linda Thompson with the city on March 29. Hoch filed his complaint with Merry-Grace S. Majors, Harrisburg’s Affirmative Action Officer.

He said in the letter: “I am lodging a formal complaint against Mayor Linda Thompson for harassment, threatening my job and causing undue harm to city employees due to her political fight with the controller.”

Hoch resigned this morning to the dismay of various city officials, including City Council President Wanda Williams, who said his resignation will be a blow to the city.

Read more: http://www.pennlive.com/midstate/index.ssf/2012/04/harrisburg_public_works_direct_1.html