Recent allegations of sexual harassment are not the first seen by the Goodrich School District.
Former Reid Elementary Maintenance Custodian Dennis Harris said he worked in the district from 1980-1993 before being fired for allegations of sexual harassment.
Harris said for 13 years he had made a habit of telling women in the building, ‘Good morning, you look lovely.? However, the comment landed him in hot water with administration, and he lost his job because of the matter, said Harris.
‘For 13 years I’d been making that comment,? said Harris, adding he did not feel it was harassing in nature. Additionally, Harris said the comment was never pointed out to him as being offensive by any female co-workers.
Since the incident occurred 14 years ago, Dr. Raymond Green was the superintendent in that situation, and a different school board was in place.
Harris said he was told at that time the district had a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment, and he was dismissed with no prior warning and before any investigation took place. Also, Harris said he had 45 letters of support for him, but he was told they were inconsequential.
‘I don’t think I did anything wrong,? said Harris.
Because he was fired for allegations of sexual harassment, Harris said he feels it is unfair Middle School Principal Jerry Lawrason was treated differently.
‘If the board is going to have laws or policies, they should abide by them all the time, no matter who it is,? said Harris. ‘If you take away Dr. Lawrason’s name, it’s a man who has been (accused) of sexual harassment in their schools. They should follow their laws and abide by them.?
Harris said he is considering taking legal action in the matter.