Settlement of Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Must be Made Public

In Asbury Park Press v. County of Monmouth, the Supreme Court of New Jersey ruled that the County's settlement of a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit must be made available to the public despite the agreement of the parties to keep it confidential.  The Open Public Records Act specifically exempts sexual harassment complaints as being a confidential government record.  Moreover, the court recognized that lawsuits are filed in the judicial system where the public has a right of access.

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