Female Fla. Prison Workers Sue Over Alleged Inmate Sexual Harassment
More than 100 female prison workers have filed a federal civil rights lawsuit against the Florida Department of Corrections contending that they were routinely sexually harassed by inmates.
The employees, mostly nurses, allege that male inmates used graphic language and masturbated towards them, reports the Miami Herald.
“The conduct is so hostile, notorious and commonplace that it is referred to by prison staff and inmates alike as ‘gunning,’ ” states the U.S. District Court complaint, which was filed in Tallahassee.
Corrections Secretary Walt McNeil says he is unaware of the lawsuit. However, he says the department does everything that can reasonably be expected to try to protect women working there, the Herald reports.
As discussed in previous ABAJournal.com posts, a number of criminal cases have been brought against inmates over such alleged misconduct.
Earlier tort claims against the state by female prison workers have resulted in jury awards totaling about $1.6 million, the Herald says.
