Calif. parks department to address equality for women, gays in response to lesbian ranger suit

CA parks agency settles lesbian harassment suit

SAN DIEGO — The California Department of Parks and Recreation is forming a task force to address equality issues for its women and gay employees.

Parks officials said Thursday the move is part of a settlement with a lesbian park ranger who filed a harassment lawsuit in San Diego County.

Jennifer Donovan claimed that colleagues posted obscene drawings and left underwear and sex toys in her locker during the six years she worked at San Onofre and San Clemente state beaches.

Her attorney, Wendy Musell (Myoo-sell’), says the settlement calls for a panel to monitor recruitment and equality issues for women, gays and transgender people. The department will also audit and improve its equal employment opportunity procedures.

The parks department did not acknowledge any wrongdoing.