Judge Considers Sexual Discrimination Case of Former Marshfield Dance Team Coach
Tuesday, March 3rd, 2015 -- 10:51 AM
-The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Equal Rights Division heard testimony in the case of a former Marshfield High School dance team coach who filed a lawsuit against the school district for sexual discrimination.In August of 2013, Lisa Joling was fired four days after her team danced to the edited version of the Robin Thicke song, "Blurred Lines." Joling stated that initially she wasn't given a reason for the firing, but said she found out later it was because her team danced to that song. The complaint that Joling filed with the state Department of Workforce Development stated that male coaches, DJs at school dances and others have played the unedited version of the song and no issues were brought up.
During the testimony, Joling stated that the firing ruined her reputation, causing her to close her dance studio in Marshfield and move to California. She stated that even in California she's had a hard time finding work. Former Superintendent of Marshfield, Peg Geegan stated that she received the first complaint from a school board member and directed the high school principal to investigate the incident, which, when concluded, found that the song was inappropriate and warranted termination.
The judge now has 90 days to decide on the case and, if probable cause is found, another judge will hear the case with an additional 90 days to make a decision.
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