Suit: Former SMILE CEO sexually harassed employee

A lawsuit has been filed in federal court by a former SMILE Community Head Start employee against the organization and former CEO Chris Williams alleging discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

The lawsuit, which was filed in the Western District of Louisiana by a former human resources manager, alleges that Williams harassed the plaintiff into sex and created a “regular pattern of hostile work environment sexual harassment and quid pro quo sexual harassment.”

SMILE serves the parishes of Iberia, St. Martin and Lafayette parishes, and provides educational, health and home ownership programs throughout those communities.

Williams was hired by SMILE in 2011, and then placed on administrative leave in 2018. He resigned from his post in June of 2018.

The lawsuit alleges that the harassment included frequent comments included telling the plaintiff that she “carr[ied] yourself well” for her age, that her face was “symmetrically proportionate,” and how he was “intrigued” color of her eyes.

It also alleges that Williams began calling the plaintiff into his office at least five to six times daily under the guise of work-related inquiries, and would contact her at home or on weekends under the guise of needing assistance with work-related matters.

According to the lawsuit, Williams contacted the plaintiff on Good Friday of 2017 and allegedly said, “I want you to know I will take care of you, if you take care of me.”

After attempting to end the phone call,  Williams allegedly told the plaintiff that “I don’t want to put you in an awkward situation, but do you know who I am.” He also allegedly stated “you either on this train, and take care of me, or I mean changes will be made.”

On April 19, 2017, the lawsuit alleges that Williams showed up at the plaintiff’s home and manipulated her into providing sexual favors in exchange for promises of promotion, increased pay and job retention.

“(Plaintiff) reluctantly relented to Williams’s demands for sex, fearing for her job security, especially with financial pressures at home as a single mother of two,” the lawsuit states.

The lawsuit continues to allege that propositions for sex and threats to her job continued to be made. In August 2017, Williams allegedly informed the plaintiff to keep a “low profile” because her name had been included on the SMILE Chief Financial Officer’s August 21, 2017 reduction-in-force recommendation report.

Williams allegedly showed the plaintiff the report with her name included in the list of laid off employees. Williams then allegedly reminded her of “loyalty” and commented “don’t worry about that, big daddy got you,” according to the suit.

The lawsuit also claims that the plaintiff informed two SMILE board members about the situation, but was allegedly told that SMILE couldn’t do anything without proof and she could be held liable.

The plaintiff allegedly retained legal counsel who on May 22, 2018 began communicating directly with SMILE’s legal counsel on the plaintiff’s behalf and informed SMILE’s legal counsel of the harassment and discrimination that she had experienced.

Williams, informed by SMILE of the plaintiff’s complaint, allegedly contacted the plaintiff and offered her an unnamed position with a pay increase to $34,000 annually retroactive to April 25, 2018 if she would agree to withdraw her complaint of sexual harassment.

Williams also allegedly offered the plaintiff $10,000 to withdraw her complaint of sexual harassment. The SMILE Board approved the promotion at the May 2018 Board meeting retroactive to April 25, 2018. The plaintiff allegedly declined William’s $10,000 offer.

The plaintiff alleges that a report of the SMILE investigation was never received.

The lawsuit also alleged that SMILE employees discovered a voodoo doll in Williams’ desk with an appearance similar to the plaintiff. The plaintiff was allegedly diagnosed with anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder by a mental health professional and told not to return to the SMILE building for a period of time.

The lawsuit alleges that  SMILE’s reason for terminating the plaintiff is transparently pretextual. Prior to her termination, her legal counsel allegedly communicated with SMILE’s legal counsel continuously regarding the absences from work due to the harassment and associated emotional distress.

“A reasonable accommodation under the ADA and worker’s compensation claim were requested and refused by SMILE. Thus, plaintiff’s termination is directly related to and in retaliation for her claims of quid pro quo sexual harassment, hostile work environment sexual harassment, worker’s compensation claim, ADA claim and eligibility for leave under the FMLA in violation of both state and federal laws,” according to the lawsuit.

Current SMILE CEO Craig Mathews said Tuesday that SMILE is taking the allegations seriously.

“SMILE’s leadership board and administration, along with our legal counsel, is taking this matter very seriously,” Mathews said. “We understand that every individual has the right to pursue whatever justice they feel they are due when they believe they have been wronged, but SMILE certainly is going to do everything within its power to defend and honor the reputation of this organization.

“While this matter involves a former employee of SMILE, we understand the organization is responsible for maintaining a conducive work environment and that is what we intend to do in every instance.”

Mathews also said that despite the allegations, SMILE is excited about the direction the organization is going in and is looking forward to the 50th anniversary of the organization that is slated for April 5 at the Wyndham Garden in Lafayette.

“We are expecting our community partners and stakeholders to come out in full support to commemorate SMILE’s 50 years of fighting the war on poverty and we’re proud to say we’re still winning,” Mathews said.