Missouri Court of Appeals, Western District / Apr 2, 2024
Beatrice Young vs. Missouri Department of Corrections
Beatrice Young sued her former employer, the Missouri Department of Corrections, alleging discrimination, harassment, and retaliation. A jury found in her favor on harassment claims (pre- and post-August 28, 2017) and a retaliation claim, awarding damages and attorney's fees. The appellate court reversed the judgment notwithstanding the verdict for Young's pre-August 28, 2017 gender-based harassment claim, concluding the alleged conduct was not objectively severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment. As a result, the attorney's fee award was also reversed and remanded for reconsideration.