News Notes: Supervisor Personally Hit With Big Harassment Verdict

An employee who claimed her boss sexually harassed her was awarded nearly $400,000 in damages—but the supervisor, not the employer, will have to pay the tab. Maria Kaul worked for a short time as a secretary for Orion Systems, Inc., in Santa Clara. She claimed her boss, Morton Kessler, repeatedly commented on her clothing, kissed her and tried to persuade her to leave her husband. She sued Kessler and Orion for sexual harassment, but the court threw out the case against the company. Although Kessler denied any harassment occurred, a jury ordered him to pay all of the damages. This case re-emphasizes the importance of reminding employees they can be held personally liable for improper conduct