Does the Texas Juvenile Justice Department Have a Harassment Problem?

A superintendent at the Texas Juvenile Justice Department is facing accusations of harassment and discrimination less than a year after he accepted the job. Juan Gonzales has been serving as an interim superintendent for the past several months. Dora Tijerina, a psychologist who worked at the department for more than a decade, claims that she endured ongoing discrimination and harassment once he started his tenure.

According to the case, Gonzales was inappropriately flirtatious with several younger female employees at the organization, and frequently bullied Tijerina based on her gender and appearance. He allegedly mocked her weight, and called her “worthless” and “a waste of taxpayers’ money.”

It appears that the man’s wife was also hired at the organization, which would be a violation of the official anti-nepotism policy. According to Tijerina, this woman also bullied her in retaliation to any complaints about her husband’s poor behavior. After months of what Tijerina describes as “a campaign by Juan Gonzalez to discredit, humiliate, and overburden me,” she resigned from her position.

Have You Been a Victim of Workplace Harassment or Bullying?

When employers create a hostile work environment, it can make it nearly impossible for victims to do their jobs. Employees live in constant fear, not knowing when they might be harassed, bullied or threatened.

An experienced employment lawyer can help you fight back against a bad boss or colleague, and seek justice for your unfair treatment. Everyone deserve the right to go to work safely and pursue their career dreams.

Dan A. Atkerson is a Dallas employment lawyer who passionately fights to empower victims of sexual harassment, discrimination and other forms or workplace injustice.