In the midst of a sexual harassment suit between radio station KPFK parent company Pacifica Foundation and two of its employees, KPFK's lesbian general manager is stepping down effective October 31, LAObserved.com reports. As reported in the September 11 issue of The Advocate, Eva Georgia and the Pacifica Foundation are being sued by KPFK news director Molly Paige, a heterosexual woman. The suit, filed in February, cites "inappropriate, sexually charged remarks, innuendoes, and gestures as well as sexually offensive touching, which in turn resulted in a hostile, abusive, and intolerable working environment." Paige, who is white, also said that Georgia, a black woman, used racist terms toward her. Shari Epstein, Georgia's former assistant, filed a suit against Georgia for race and disability discrimination.
A statement released by the Pacifica Foundation says the decision regarding Georgia was reached by its national board of directors, who nonetheless acknowledged her "innovative leadership." The board had passed a resolution in July expressing its full support for Georgia and its intention to stand by her in the suit.
According to LAObserved, when Georgia came to the liberal radio station it had significant debt, signal problems, and little staff or volunteer diversity. Under her leadership the station has expanded, more daily newscasts are being offered, debt has been eliminated, and the studio has been renovated. (The Advocate)
