4 former JFS workers file reverse-discrimination suit

YOUNGSTOWN

Mahoning County commissioners have been hit with a reverse-discrimination lawsuit exceeding $1 million.

Four white women, including the immediate past director and three current employees of the Mahoning County Department of Job and Family Services, sued the commissioners, saying they have suffered discrimination, retaliation and emotional distress because of the behavior of some black JFS employees.

The former JFS director, Judee L. Genetin of Canton, who resigned in November 2010 to become Portage County JFS director, said she was forced to quit her job here under intolerable conditions that amounted to a wrongful termination.

“Due to being restricted in the proper performance of her job functions by policies and procedures of Mahoning County regarding racial issues, double standards for employees depending on their race and intolerable working conditions, Plaintiff Genetin was forced to resign,” the lawsuit says.

John A. McNally IV, chairman of the commissioners, declined to comment, saying he had not seen the lawsuit. “It’s been referred to our insurance counsel,” he said.

County Prosecutor Paul J. Gains, who is in charge of the commissioners’ legal defense, declined to comment because it is pending litigation.

Commissioner Anthony T. Traficanti would not comment on the lawsuit, except to wonder aloud why Genetin never expressed the complaints in her legal action while she was working for the county.

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