Incendii Files Discrimination Notice Against NYC Board of Elections
January 13, 2024
Brooklyn, New York – On Friday, Incendii Law PLLC filed a Notice of Claim on behalf of Stephanie Jaquez, a former employee of the New York City Board of Elections (BOE). Jaquez alleges that she faced race and gender discrimination and a hostile work environment under the leadership of the agency’s Executive Director, Michael Ryan.
Ms. Jaquez’s claims are supported by findings from a bombshell in-depth investigation conducted by the New York City Department of Investigations (DOI) and released late last week.
DOI concluded that Mr. Ryan likely discriminated against Ms. Jaquez and created a hostile work environment in violation of the law and recommended Ryan be removed from his position.
Instead, BOE Commissioners prescribed that Ryan take three-weeks unpaid leave and attend the same sensitivity training he had already completed while the alleged harassment and discrimination was taking place.
The victim, Stephanie Jaquez, explained “Not only is Mr. Ryan the head of an agency tasked with protecting election integrity, but he is also an attorney and a mandated reporter as it relates to corruption. He does not need to be more sensitive. He needs to follow the law.”
Ms. Jaquez’s claims underscore the need for systemic accountability within government institutions. Ms. Jaquez, who excelled in her role at the BOE, was forced to leave her position due to the hostile environment created by Mr. Ryan’s actions.
“We cannot have good government unless good people can do their work without fear of being treated differently or harassed because of their gender or race,” said Annie Seifullah of Incendii Law. “The hostile work environment that forced our client to leave was not just a loss for her—it was a loss for the City of New York.”
Incendii Law believes Ms. Jaquez’s forthcoming claims send a strong message that discriminatory behavior and abuse of power should not be tolerated in New York City and no one - especially those in leadership and especially those charged with preserving confidence in the democratic process – should be above the law.
You can read more about Ms. Jaquez’s claims wherever you get your New York City news, including the following sources:
Gothamist / WNYC: NYC Board of Elections head keeps job after watchdog found he made racial, sexual jokes.
The City: Ex-Staffer files to Sue Board of Elections Over Director’s ‘Inappropriate’ Conduct.
City & State: Former BOE staffer initiates legal action over alleged harassment by agency head.
The New York Times: NYC Election Board Refused to Fire Leader Who Harassed Female Workers.
The New York Post: NYC elections bigwig allegedly creeped on female staffers, asked ‘how young is too young’ — and is keeping his job anyway.
Staten Island Advance: BOE Exec. Director, Staten Islander, will keep his job despite alleged racist, sexist remarks to employees.