In Missouri, Calvert Properties Inc And Its President Sued For Sexual Harassment

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against Calvert Properties Inc. and company president, Harold W. Calvert, alleging a pattern or practice of sexual harassment of female tenants.

The complaint, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Missouri, alleges that Calvert and his company engaged in a pattern or practice of discrimination based on sex. Specifically, the complaint alleges that Harold Calvert subjected female tenants to unwanted verbal sexual advances; unwanted physical sexual advances; forcible physical contact with the sexual parts of his body; inappropriate statements; and threats of eviction when they refused or objected to his sexual advances. The complaint also alleges that Calvert Properties did not take reasonable preventive or corrective measures to curtail and prevent the discriminatory conduct of Harold Calvert.

“Housing is a fundamental need, and no woman should be victimized while trying to obtain shelter for herself and her family,” said Wan J. Kim, Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division. “Landlords looking to prey on their female tenants should be on notice: The Department of Justice has stepped up our enforcement of this immoral and illegal behavior.”

“Individuals are entitled to live securely in their residences without being subjected to discriminatory and degrading treatment by landlords acting as sexual predators,” saidU.S. Attorney Bradley J. Schlozman. “The abuse – both physical and emotional – evidenced by the tenants in this case is simply unconscionable and will not be tolerated by this Department.”

The suit seeks monetary damages to compensate the victims, civil penalties, and a court order barring future discrimination.