Home > PB Upd8 > Archives > 2008 > February > 24 > Entry
Where’s The Outrage?
Wednesday, a woman who lived and worked at the Everglades Club sued her former employer, alleging — in her words — that “the discrimination on premises led to the violence that caused my rape to occur.” The former club cook was sexually assaulted there in 2006. (Story: Woman Sues Everglades Club Over 2006 Rape)
The lawsuit’s charges are horrifying: Hispanic employees weren’t given name tags like their white counterparts; they were just called “amigos.” The employee dormitories were segregated by ethnic group. And, of course, the charge that plagues this club into the 21st century — there are no Jewish members, or members of color.
These are allegations at this point. But given their alarming nature, where were the denials, wails of outrage, or vows to investigate? The club was silent, not even a comment from one of its attorneys. So were members of the residential and business communities. No statement from Fellowship of Christians and Jews, or anyone from Palm Beach’s religious community.
Town government? Quiet, despite newly elected councilman David Rosow’s Everglades Club membership and the club’s status as one of the town’s larger employers. The club reported salaries and wages totaling $5,379,539 (excluding benefits and taxes) on its 2006 Form 990.
These allegations diminish all of us who live or work on the island. And in silence we are complicit.
Permalink | Comments (7) | Post your comment | Categories: Around Town
Comments
By Eric
February 25, 2008 5:20 PM | Link to this
Something to consider, given your obvious passion on this topic. The tax status of certain non-profit organizations can be jeopardized if they are found to engage in discriminatory practices. May prove interesting here.
By morgan
February 26, 2008 5:46 AM | Link to this
The time has come for Palm Beach to “do the right thing”! The Everglades Club has finally met it’s match…a young, female who knows right from wrong and won’t be silenced by money or threats. If any of the good people from the organizations you mentioned can find their voice AND use it, it needs to be now. The Everglades Club getting away with yet another unlawful, inhumane incident is old news and I am sick of it!
By Joyce
February 26, 2008 4:51 PM | Link to this
Eric — Hmmm, sounds like you know a little something about the accounting game…Thanks!
Morgan — Thanks for your comment and call to arms!
By Don Warrington
February 27, 2008 8:25 AM | Link to this
I responded to this at
http://www.vulcanhammer.org/?p=525
The urgency of treating people with their God-given dignity is greater when you come to deal with them as equals.
By Joyce
February 27, 2008 5:50 PM | Link to this
Don — Thanks for your post and the link. And thanks for adding me to your blogroll!
By Dave
February 28, 2008 5:44 AM | Link to this
You’re raising consciousness, which is huge — but your advocacy on behalf of those who are marginalized through inhuman stereotypes is even more important.
By patrick
July 6, 2008 12:09 AM | Link to this
My fathers name is on the wall there for being the club champion twice in the late fifties.I grew up with this wink and a nod! As a young adult I tryed to think for myself. When the Jew-Bashing became too much for me, I rebeled, only to kicked to the curb myself! This is a NASTY bunch!