ZitatA former aide to Democratic Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas filed a civil suit against the lawmaker and the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), alleging she was fired for threatening legal action against the Foundation relating to a sexual assault.
The complaint alleges Jackson Lee and the CBCF intentionally inflicted emotional distress, unlawfully interfered with contract, and violated the Congressional Accountability Act and Washington, D.C.’s human rights statute. It is the second time in recent years a former employee sued the congresswoman for her infamous employment practices.
The lawsuit was filed Jan. 11 in Washington’s federal trial court and names both Jackson Lee’s office and the Foundation as defendants. The plaintiff, referred to in court filings as “Jane Doe,” is seeking damages.
Neither Jackson Lee nor the CBCF responded to requests for comment.
ZitatRep. Sheila Jackson Lee (D-Texas) was told by the board of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation that she should resign as leader of the organization in a lengthy conference call with the board over rape allegations.
The CBCF is being sued by a former intern who says that a former employee raped her after they went out for dinner. The victim was 19 years old at the time of the alleged assault.
The intern alleges that she was fired after she asked for her rape allegations to be investigated.
According to Politico, the board of the CBCF called for Jackson Lee to step down and she has also been approached by the leadership of the organization about resigning.
Jackson Lee has refused the demands to resign, according to the report.