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Minneapolis 12 Settle Hostile-Workplace SuitA dozen Minneapolis Public Library workers have settled their hostile-workplace lawsuit against the library for $435,000 and an agreement by library officials to consider greater restrictions on patron access to sexually explicit online content.“We believe the financial settlement in this case sends a strong message to libraries around the country that they must take the concerns of their employees seriously,” the librarians said in a joint statement August 15. While the library didn’t admit any wrongdoing, Trustee Laurie Savran said in the August 16 Minneapolis Star Tribune that she had apologized to the plaintiffs “that this happened to them . . . and that we didn’t address their concerns more expeditiously.” Possible changes include increased penalties for Internet-use violations and adoption of a fee-based system to curb gratuitous printing of potentially offensive adult materials from the Internet. Newly hired Director Kit Hadley’s commitment to resolve the issue was one factor that led to the settlement, said Bob Halagan, the librarians’ lawyer. “I think their respect for her made it easier for them to agree to the terms of the agreement,” he said. Posted August 25, 2003. |
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