Parks & Rec Settles Lesbian's Sex-Harassment Suit

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.

Donovan also said her supervisors often made offensive remarks and passed her over for promotion in favor of other rangers with less experience. Donovan was transferred to a post in Humboldt County in 2006, according to her attorney.

Donovan's attorney, Wendy Musell said 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.

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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