An Embarrassment for DOCS

After a state appeals court reduced a sexual harassment award to a female Correction Officer from $850,000 to $200,000 two weeks ago, a state Department of Correction Services spokesman said the agency was "pleased" that a "grossly excessive" penalty had been reduced.

There is nothing for DOCS to be pleased about in this case. The State Division of Human Rights assessed the larger penalty because it found that CO Alicia Humig was repeatedly harassed by a male officer at the Wende Correctional Facility because she was a lesbian. When she complained to her superiors, they did nothing, other than to order that the harasser, Jim Wright, undergo counseling, and he stepped up his harassment.

Even with the reduced penalty, DOCS is making a sizable payout for being soft on a jerk rather than providing relief to his victim, an officer who was trying to do her job. The only emotion it should be feeling is embarrassment.