$5 MillionExecutive Severance Pay
$4 MillionWhistleblower Retaliation
$1.5 MillionRetaliation
$1.2 MillionWhistleblower Retaliation
$1.1 MillionAge Discrimination
$1 MillionGender Discrimination
JUSTIA 10 - Badge
Super Lawyers / Claudia A. Rels - Badge
Super Lawyers / Christopher P. Lenzo - Badge
Av Preeminent Peer Rated for High Professional Achievements 2019 - Badge
Av Distinguished Peer Rated for High Professional Achievements 2019 - Badge
Best lawyers / Lawyer of the Year / Claudia A. Reis 2018 - Badge
Best Lawyers - Christopher Lenzo - Lawyer of the year 2022
Best lawyers / Lawyer of the Year / Christopher P. Lenzo - Badge
NELA - Badge
NELANJ - Badge
New Jersey State Bar Association - Badge
NJAJ - Badge
NJ Association of Woman Business Owners - Badge
American Arbitration Association - Badge
New Jersey Women Lawyers - Badge
PALCUS - Badge
Fellows / American Bar Association - Badge
Best Law Firms - Badge
Best Lawyers of the Year 2024 - Badge
Recognized by Best Lawyers 2025 - Badge
Recognized by Best Lawyers 2025 - Badge
Best Law Firms 2024 - Badge

Transgender Employee Suffers Sexual Harassment and Retaliation at Bojangles Restaurant

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Bojangles Restaurants, Inc. for creating a hostile work environment for a transgender employee. The alleged incidents took place at the Fayetteville branch of the restaurant.

The Facts of the Case

According to the lawsuit, employee Jonathan Wolfe who identifies as female was not only repeatedly harassed at work, but was eventually fired in retaliation for reporting the harassment. She was allegedly subjected to frequent offensive comments about her appearance and gender identity by both the manager and assistant manager of the restaurant and was repeatedly prodded to engage in stereotypically male behavior. Although Wolfe reported the sexual harassment on at least two occasions, it continued to be a problem. After the second complaint, she was fired. The EEOC investigation concluded that her firing was in retaliation for having complained about the abusive treatment.

What Does the Law Say About This Kind of Harassment?

The type of harassment Wolfe allegedly experienced is unlawful under both federal and New Jersey law. Under Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964, harassment against transgender employees based on gender stereotypes is unlawful sex discrimination. Such gender stereotyping is also unlawful under the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (“LAD”); however, the LAD also specifically prohibits discrimination based on gender identity and sexual orientation. Both federal and New Jersey law prohibit employers from retaliating in any way against employees who complain about unlawful discrimination. The law offers protection not only to employees who have been terminated, but also to those who are denied raises, bonuses, or promotions, or given unfavorable assignments.

If you are suffering employment discrimination of any kind you should not face it alone. Consult with a well-respected employment attorney who will help you fight back.

Client Reviews

At what was supposed to be the highest point in my career suddenly became the most harassing and lowest point of my career and I was passed over for a promotion. Not because the other person was more qualified than I was, but because I followed the law and did the right thing and the people I worked...

John

Chris Lenzo did an outstanding job in my employment discrimination case. He responded to my questions in a timely fashion, provided clear communication through each step of the process, and handled my case in an honest and straight forward manner. Chris’s expertise in employment law along with his...

Sofia

I have worked with Ms. Reis and her firm for the past three years. During the consultation process, you will immediately experience her compassion as she offers suggestions and guides you through the difficult situation you are dealing with. Her attention to detail, timely follow up and candid...

A.M.

Contact Us

  • ContactFormIcon_2x.png Your Career. Your Life. Our Fight.
  • ContactFormIcon_2x.png Employment Attorneys With 45+ Years of Experience!
  • ContactFormIcon_2x.png Experienced Help, Just a Call Away

Fill out the contact form or call us at (973) 845-9922 to schedule your free consultation.