In a strong stance against workplace sexual harassment, a jury has ordered a Wenatchee and Kennewick veterans' nonprofit and its CEO to pay up nearly $1.5 million in damages for sexually harassing twelve women. Thelbert "Thad" Lawson Jr., founder and CEO of Operation Veterans Assistance & Humanitarian Aid (OVAHA), was found liable along with his organization following a lawsuit spearheaded by Attorney General Bob Ferguson. According to a news release by the Attorney General's Office, the case outlined a pattern of offensive behavior including unwanted touching, sexually charged comments, and inappropriate solicitations extending to employees, volunteers, and even members of the public at OVAHA's thrift stores.
The lawsuit, filed in Chelan County Superior Court in February 2022, exposed the hostile environment fostered by Lawson, who was accused of not only harassing staff but also retaliating against those attempting to stand up for themselves. Despite the egregiousness of his conduct, which went as far as retaliating against an employee consulting a lawyer, Lawson boldly claimed to be "untouchable" citing connections with law enforcement and the judiciary, the Attorney General's Office reported.
Lawson's inappropriate actions extended to five members of the public who experienced his harassment firsthand, which included an alarming account of a woman who obtained a restraining order against Lawson after being locked in a basement room with him. In another disturbing case, Lawson was convicted for assault after aggressively grinding against a woman without her consent. After the conviction, OVAHA posted Lawson's appeal bond, delaying his jail time until the conviction was upheld on appeal, leading to a 75-day incarceration for Lawson.
Attorney General Ferguson pointed out the triumph of justice in this case, stating, "What happened at OVAHA is repulsive, inexcusable and illegal." Ferguson hailed the courage of those who came forward, saying, "My team fought for them, and together, we won." Jurors concurred, reflecting their stance through the damages awarded to the victims, which Ferguson's office noted, all goes directly to the women impacted by Lawson's actions.
The implications of the jury's verdict extend beyond the financial retribution, as the Human Rights Commission's Executive Director Andreta Armstrong was quoted by the Attorney General's Office, affirming, "Absolutely justice served." The Commission hailed the decision as a marker of accountability and clear communication that such misconduct will not stand, hoping to pave the way for safer workplaces with equity at their core.
The outcome of this lawsuit highlights the crucial role of state bodies like the Washington State Human Rights Commission and the Wing Luke Civil Rights Division in advocating for and protecting civil rights. With the Division being named after the civil rights pioneer Wing Luke, this case represents the continuation of a deep-rooted struggle for respect and equal treatment within the workforce, honoring the legacy of combatting discrimination in all its forms. It stands as a testament that, despite the often slow gears of justice, the power of law remains aimed at upholding the right of individuals to work free from harassment and discrimination.
