As sexual harassment charges rise nationally, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed two sexual harassment lawsuits against employers on Sept. 30 in Oklahoma district courts, the department announced in a news release.
Edmond-based design studio Sunrooms and More Design Center Inc. and international paper manufacturer Sofidel both face lawsuits by the commission filed Sept. 30 on complaints of sexual harassment of female employees in the workplace.
Don Durrett, the owner of the Edmond-based company said in a text message Friday, “We have not been made aware of any lawsuit against us with the EEOC so I have nothing to comment on at this time.”
Sofidel could not be reached for comment.
The commission, which received more than 7,700 sexual harassment charges in 2023, said there was a 25% rise last year from the year before.
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“That sort of uptick would lead us to believe that there’s an issue that needs to be addressed out there,” said Lauren W. Johnston, commission assistant regional attorney.