Twin Cities Home Depot Settles After Ignoring Sexual Harassment: State

ST. PAUL, MN — The Minnesota Department of Human Rights on Thursday announced a $65,000 settlement agreement with Home Depot after its investigation found several employees sexually harassed another employee and Home Depot failed to stop the harassment.

"My experience was deeply painful, and my goal in coming forward was not just to stand up for myself but also to raise awareness so that nobody else would ever have to go through what I went through," the former employee said in a statement.

"I hope my journey and the policy changes outlined in the settlement agreement helps pave the way for a safer, more respectful environment for all employees."

The Department of Human Rights investigation found that from 2018 to 2021, three Home Depot employees sexually harassed another employee at the Fridley store.

The sexual harassment included unwelcome sexual comments and advances and inappropriate touching, investigators said.

The employee reported the sexual harassment numerous times over approximately three years, but Home Depot took little to no action, according to authorities.

Home Depot’s inaction allowed the sexual harassment to continue. This violated the Minnesota Human Rights Act, which prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace.

The Department of Human Rights reached a settlement agreement that requires Home Depot to pay the former employee $65,000. Under the agreement, Home Depot must also work to create a workplace free from sexual harassment by enforcing anti-harassment policies, conducting training on those policies, and holding store managers accountable.

The Department of Human Rights will monitor Home Depot’s compliance with this agreement for two years.

“Sexual harassment is a violation of the law and a denial of basic human dignity,” said Minnesota Department of Human Rights Commissioner Rebecca Lucero. “It harms individuals' mental health, job performance, and well-being, while also undermining organizational integrity and productivity. Minnesota state law requires that employers create a workplace free from sexual harassment and assault. This agreement reminds Minnesota employers of this obligation.”