Real Life Story of Disparate Treatment

Deborah, Typist - White Plains, NY

Deborah began working for the City of White Plains as a typist in 1974. By 1979, she had been promoted to the position of Assistant to the White Plains' Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. Deborah performed her duties in this position with dedication and skill. As Deborah's duties increased over time, she noticed that her pay grade failed to follow suit. At one point Deborah was told by the Deputy Commissioner that she would not receive the increase because she was a "young girl" and could get "married and pregnant." When the Deputy Commissioner retired in 1991, Deborah decided to apply for the opening. In fact, Deborah asserted that she performed some of the Deputy Commissioner's functions without any change in pay or title from the time the position became vacant, until it was filled by a male replacement. When she inquired as to why she was not considered for the position, she was told by her immediate supervisor that she "would have absolutely no credibility with the men" because of her administrative background. When Deborah complained about her treatment as a female employee, she noticed that the atmosphere at work changed. Specifically, she was told that she could no longer work any overtime. Deborah sued White Plains on several claims under Title VII and the New York Human Rights Law, including unequal pay, failure to promote and retaliation. White Plains' attempts to have the court dismiss her claims were unsuccessful. The judge felt that Deborah had presented sufficient facts to support her claims of sex discrimination.

Brennan v. City of White Plains, 67 F. Supp. 2d 362 (S.D.N.Y. 1999).