Shedd Aquarium Sued Over Research Boat Sexual Harassment Claims

CHICAGO — The Shedd Aquarium is being sued on accusations of sexual discrimination by a woman who worked on the institution's research vessel in Miami.

Susan Catherine Edgerton said in the federal lawsuit she was on the receiving end of sexist remarks, punishments and double standards while working as a hospitality coordinator on the Coral Reef II, a laboratory at sea for Shedd field researchers.

Edgerton was hired as the first female crew member aboard the Coral Reef II in 2018. She oversaw meals, housing and hotel operations on the boat while scientists conducted open-water studies on the vessel.

In May of 2019, she was fired without being told why, according to the lawsuit. Edgerton alleges her all-male co-workers used words like "b----" and "c---" to describe women. The North Carolina native also said co-workers would comment on her appearance and demand she adhere to a dress code her male counterparts were not held to.

"This is one of many examples of a very male-dominated industry that my client had a really bad experience in with respect to her gender," said Jennifer Salvatore, Edgerton's lawyer, "and her treatment as a woman was really sexist and inappropriate."

The lawsuit says Edgerton was denied medical attention for three days after being ordered to jump from the deck of the boat to the concrete dock 15 feet below in order to help anchor the boat. She was injured and had to take several months to recover, the lawsuit alleges.

Representatives from the Shedd Aquarium weren't able to comment on ongoing litigation but said the Chicago institution takes the allegations seriously.

"We perform annual prevention training for all employees," a spokesperson said in an email. "We do not tolerate conduct inconsistent with these policies and our values, including aboard our research vessel."