By Alex Lang
The Dominion Post
STAR CITY, W.Va. — The Star City Volunteer Fire Department denied allegations made by a former employee who said he faced racial harassment and was fired for reporting it.
This fall, Leonel Caso filed suit against the department in Monongalia County Circuit Court. In his suit, he states he was the victim of harassment, including being called derogatory terms because of his Hispanic heritage.
Caso said he reported the incidents to supervisors and was told to resign or be fired. Caso quit to avoid being fired in public and argues his termination was motivated by the discrimination or in retaliation for reporting it.
In its answer, the department denied nearly all allegations made in the lawsuit.
The department said that it is not responsible for the damages Caso suffered and all actions against him were legitimate and non-discriminatory.
Star City VFD contends it’s not liable for harassment by employees — if it occurred at all — because it was not allowed and included outside the scope of employment.
Punitive damages should not be awarded because the VFD did not participate in any intentional wrongdoing. Also, there isn’t enough evidence to support a claim for a punitive award, the filing states.
Star City asks the court to dismiss the lawsuit.
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