Wisconsin School
Employee Files Grievance Over Marriage Leave

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 The Sheboygan 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)