An elementary
school secretary in Sheboygan, Wis., filed a grievance with
the school district, arguing its refusal to give her two
days' paid leave after her marriage to another woman
is discrimination, The Sheboygan Press reported
Friday. Leigh Robert, 38, an employee of Jefferson
Elementary School and the district’s recreation
department, plans to marry Judy Stock next week in
Canada. The women, who both live in Kiel, attended a
closed hearing on Thursday before the human resources
committee of the district’s governing board.
An elementary
school secretary in Sheboygan, Wis., filed a grievance with
the school district, arguing its refusal to give her two
days' paid leave after her marriage to another woman
is discrimination, The Sheboygan Press reported
Friday.
Leigh Robert, 38,
an employee of Jefferson Elementary School and the
district’s recreation department, plans to marry Judy
Stock next week in Canada. The women, who both live in
Kiel, attended a closed hearing on Thursday before the
human resources committee of the district’s governing
board.
About two dozen
supporters of the couple also showed up for the hearing,
including students from Sheboygan North High School who
produced a petition that had been signed by 171
students and staff members at the school. Previously
Robert worked at North High as a secretary and health
aide.
Sam Gieryn, a
bargaining representative for a support-staff union, told TheSheboygan Press that an employee’s
contract with the school district doesn’t stipulate
that a marriage be legally recognized in Wisconsin.
“The
district has never before tried to inquire about whether a
marriage is legally recognized in the state,”
he said. “This is the first time, and
that’s where we see the discrimination. The contract
doesn’t allow them to make that
inquiry.”
The committee
will release its decision within five days. Robert said she
is prepared to take the matter to arbitration if necessary.
(The Advocate)
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