Another ex-Bonner County dispatcher alleges discrimination

SANDPOINT - Another former 911 dispatcher is accusing Bonner County of race discrimination and retaliation.

Evie Dougherty alleges she was constructively discharged from her job as a telecommunications specialist in March and discriminated against because she is Asian, according to a claim filed by the Idaho Human Rights Commission and the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission on Dougherty's behalf.

"I have experienced ongoing harassment in the form of reduced work hours, discipline, shift changes and abusive communication," Dougherty said in the claim.

The claim was filed on July 15, about a week after another former dispatcher filed a similar claim. Diana Elsfelder, a 54-year-old Native American, alleges she experienced racial and age discrimination, in addition to retaliation.

The claims can serve as a prelude to job discrimination lawsuits.

Both former dispatchers filed tort claims against the county in 2013. They alleged that they suffered retaliation for reporting a hostile work environment, mismanagement and improper conduct by coworkers at the dispatch center.

Dougherty and Elsfelder each sought $250,000 in damages for lost wages, loss of reputation, and pain and suffering, according to the claims

County commission meeting agendas suggested an internal investigation into their allegations was conducted, although the report has not been made public and the board's discussions were held behind closed doors during executive sessions.

The probe reportedly concluded that the allegations were unsubstantiated, although the claimants asserted that the investigation was biased because it was overseen by the department's director.

They also contended that their attempts to rid the department of a toxic work environment only worsened working conditions.

County officials declined to comment on pending tort claims.