Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2007. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
Bay Area Reporter - August 30, 2007
Matthew S. Bajko, m.bajko@ebar.com
Jeffrey Shapiro filed his lawsuit last week in Los Angeles Superior Court against the Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation. He is claiming the two AIDS agencies discriminated against him based on his sexual orientation.
According to the lawsuit, Shapiro contends he was told on June 22 that even though "his performance had been excellent and everybody liked him as a person" his employment was being terminated because his superiors "needed somebody who better fit into the culture" of the two agencies.
Shapiro states in his suit that he was told "this had nothing to do with [his] performance" and that the issues were "nothing Shapiro could change." He was given two weeks pay and vacation pay, according to the lawsuit.
On August 7, Shapiro filed complaints with the state Department of Fair Employment and Housing, requesting an immediate right to sue his former employers. He is seeking compensatory damages for mental and emotional distress and a permanent injunction against the two agencies "from engaging in each of the unlawful practices."
Shapiro declined a request for comment made through his attorney, Daniel Holzman, who said his client preferred not to talk to the media at this time.
"He did say he feels these are two organizations that do good work and that he doesn't want to say anything negative about the organizations," said Holzman.
Holzman said his client "feels he is being discriminated against because he is not gay. The way he was let go left a sour taste in his mouth."
The two agencies would not discuss the particulars of Shapiro's suit but issued a statement denying they take into account a person's sexual orientation when making personnel decisions.
"It's our policy not to comment on personnel matters, but we can say that the L.A. Gay & Lesbian Center and the San Francisco AIDS Foundation never have and never would terminate someone on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity," said Jim Key, the center's chief public affairs officer, in a statement to the Bay Area Reporter . "In fact, both organizations pride themselves on a diverse workforce that includes many straight people, including in the highest levels of management and on the AIDS LifeCycle team."
Shapiro reported to the two agencies' development directors, the center's Bart Verry, who is gay, and the foundation's Barbara Kimport, who is straight.
In a brief phone interview, SFAF spokeswoman Buffy Martin Tarbox would only say that Shapiro did spend time working in San Francisco.
"We are aware of the complaint and looking into what some of the issues are," she said.
Shapiro claims in his suit that he was hired as "executive director" in March and that this year's ride "was a huge success and it earned a record $11 million compared to $8 million the previous year."
But according to Key, Shapiro was brought aboard last spring in anticipation of replacing Chris Cole as director of the event. Cole had given notice after six years in order to move back to the East Coast to start a family. He stepped down in July, a month after Shapiro was fired.
The two AIDS agencies created the 545-mile cycling event in 2002 after they cut ties with Dan Pallotta, who had overseen the now-defunct AIDS Ride since 1994. The nonprofit organizations accused Pallotta of high cost overruns, while riders complained that the focus of the event was less on AIDS and HIV prevention and more on selling Pallotta's books and consulting business.
The agencies are currently seeking both a director for AIDS LifeCycle as well as an associate director for the event who would be based in Los Angeles. The director will be paid $85,000 to $95,000 and can decide to be based in either city.
070830
BR070815
Copyright © 2007 - The Bay Area Reporter. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the The Bay Area Reporter.
AEGiS is a 501(c)3, not-for-profit, tax-exempt, educational corporation. AEGiS is made possible through unrestricted funding from Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, Elton John AIDS Foundation, the National Library of Medicine, Pacific Life Foundation and donations from users like you.
Always watch for outdated information. This article first appeared in 2007. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Copyright ©1980, 2007. AEGiS. All materials appearing on AEGiS are protected by copyright as a collective work or compilation under U.S. copyright and other laws and are the property of AEGiS, or the party credited as the provider of the content. .