Kingston Properties to Pay $240,000 to Settle Sexual Harassment Lawsuit

Background

Kingston Properties, a group of companies that developed, owned, and managed five affordable housing complexes in Kingston, New York, has agreed to a $240,000 settlement following a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). The lawsuit alleged that the former owner and a top manager engaged in persistent harassment of female employees, creating a hostile work environment that forced some employees to resign.

The case highlights the importance of maintaining a professional and harassment-free workplace and demonstrates the legal consequences companies may face when failing to address such complaints.

The Incident

According to the EEOC’s complaint, Steve Aaron, the former owner and a senior manager of Kingston Properties, subjected female employees to repeated sexual harassment. The allegations included:

• Crude and explicit sexual comments directed at female staff
• Derogatory language and obscene sexist insults in workplace interactions
• Unwanted physical contact that violated personal boundaries
• Exposure to pornography on a cell phone in the workplace
• Verbal abuse and intimidation, which created a toxic and unsafe environment

Despite multiple complaints from employees, the harassment continued, ultimately leading several women to resign due to the intolerable work conditions.

Legal Background

The EEOC charged that Kingston Properties’ actions violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex-based discrimination, including workplace sexual harassment. Before pursuing litigation, the EEOC attempted to reach a voluntary settlement through conciliation. When a resolution could not be reached, the agency filed EEOC v. Birchez Associates LLC, et al., Civil Action No. 19-cv-8110, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of New York.

The lawsuit sought monetary damages for the affected employees and injunctive relief to ensure such conduct does not occur in the future.

Settlement and Relief

As part of the settlement, Kingston Properties has agreed to:

• Pay $240,000 in financial compensation to the five affected women
• Implement measures to prevent future harassment, including workplace policy revisions
• Prohibit Steve Aaron and the senior manager involved from any employment or management roles in the company moving forward
• Conduct mandatory training sessions for employees and management to prevent workplace harassment

During the lawsuit, a new owner acquired the properties and has agreed not to rehire or allow the involvement of the previous owner or manager in the company’s operations.

Key Takeaways

1. Sexual harassment in the workplace is a serious legal violation that can lead to lawsuits, financial settlements, and reputational damage.
2. Employers must address harassment complaints promptly to avoid legal and financial consequences.
3. Implementing proactive anti-harassment measures, such as training and clear policies, helps create a safer and more professional workplace.

Conclusion

The settlement serves as a strong reminder that workplace sexual harassment will not be tolerated. Employers must take allegations seriously and ensure that all employees feel safe and respected in their work environment. Kingston Properties’ case demonstrates the importance of accountability at all levels of an organization and the necessity of enforcing workplace policies that comply with federal employment laws.

Recommendation: Sexual Harassment Training with TAP Series

To prevent workplace harassment and ensure compliance with EEOC regulations, businesses should invest in comprehensive sexual harassment training. The TAP Series provides effective, interactive training that educates employees on their rights and responsibilities, helping to create a workplace free from harassment and discrimination.