7/3/2009

SHARON SPRINGS — State transportation employees have been known to use vulgar, racist language at work but they did not sexually harass a female co-worker who is now suing the state for wrongful termination, the Kansas Department of Transportation said in a response filed in federal court this week.
Misty Pettigrew, 40, of Sharon Springs, sued KDOT over her May 2008 firing. She had been hired in December 2007. KDOT says she was fired was because of her inappropriate workplace behavior; Pettigrew contends it was retaliation because she complained co-workers and supervisors sexually harassed her.
In response to Pettigrew’s allegation that she was “groped, patted and grabbed by male employees and supervisors,” KDOT said “consensual, casual, non-sexual touching occurred which was not unwanted by (Pettigrew), and some of which was initiated by (her).”
KDOT denies Pettigrew was told to “man up” when she complained of being harassed.