Sexual Harassment Lawsuit Filed against Diocese of Kc-st. Joe

By Kathy Quinn
Fox 4
January 12, 2012

http://fox4kc.com/2012/01/12/sexual-harassment-lawsuit-filed-against-diocese-of-kc-st-joe/

A former employee of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph claims he was the victim of sexual harassment and that the diocese knew, but did nothing about it.

Larry Probst started working as an assistant to the archivist at the chancery around 1999. Father Charles Michael Coleman served as the archivist for the diocese and was Probst’s supervisor. During that time, Probst said he was the victim of sexual harassment, consisting of unwanted sexual advances and gestures from a co-worker. Probst said after he complained, his colleagues ostracized and eventually terminated him in July 2011.

Probst filed a lawsuit, claiming the diocese failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent sexual harassment. Probst said he believes the real reason behind his termination is based on retaliation and his gender. The suit claims the diocese hired a woman with less experience to do Probst’s job. He’s asking for damages for mental and emotional pain.

The diocese spokeswoman, Rebecca Summers, said she hasn’t had a chance to see the lawsuit, but is working on a statement.