Ruth
The defendants in a sexual harassment suit filed against an Illinois horse breeding body is moving to dismiss.
Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth was scheduled to hear motions in the case Jan. 22. However, all motions are now set for Feb. 5 at 9 a.m.
Plaintiff Colleen Vesper is suing the Illinois Thoroughbred Breeders and Owners Foundation and Gary Moore for two counts of violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act.
In her complaint, Vesper alleges that after she told Moore, her boss, that she did not want to pursue a romantic relationship with him, he created a hostile work environment and humiliated her until she was terminated from her job as manager of the foundation's offices in April 2009.
Her suit seeks damages of more than $30,000, unspecified damages and attorney's fees.
In the Dec. 4 motion to dismiss, the defendants allege that Vesper did not file a charge of discrimination with the Illinois Department of Human Rights as required by the Act in order to seek redress for the alleged violations.
The motion continues, arguing that the Madison County court does not have jurisdiction to hear the complaint.
Vesper is represented by Stephen McGlynn.
The defendants are represented by Steven Schwartz.
The case is Madison case number 09-L-1021.