California Youth Authority

Los Angeles, CA: (May-14-07) Diane Epps, a former guard at the California Youth Authority facility in Norwalk, filed a suit in 2005 against the facility, alleging that she faced racial discrimination, was denied promotions and was given difficult work hours because she is African American. Epps also maintained she was retaliated against by non-African American supervisors for complaining about her alleged mistreatment. The suit made frequent references to Lt. Carolyn Bouchey, who Epps claimed denied her an orientation when she arrived, that was commonly given to other newcomers. Epps filed a complaint against Bouchey for alleged gender and race discrimination in 1993. She alleged that over a four-year period, she was denied the promotions she sought, despite having the qualifications, though those who were less qualified walked away with promotions. Even after being promoted, Epps was subjected to verbal abuse from supervisors. She also charged that CYA officials failed to investigate her complaint of sexual harassment after a ward made a lewd comment to her about her private parts. In a settlement, Epps was given $800,000 ending the racial discrimination and retaliation lawsuit. [CBS2: RACIAL DISCRIMINATION]

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Published on May-15-07