Feds, Wilson County settle lawsuit over 911 operator's sexual harassment, firing

But Riddle then began experiencing hostility from her supervisor and co-workers, culminating in a transfer and, ultimately, her own termination, according to the lawsuit.

Federal authorities contend the county's actions violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which not only prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin and religion, but also from retaliating against employees for engaging in activities protected by the law, such as complaining about discrimination.

Under the terms of the consent decree, which still must be approved by a federal judge, Wilson County will pay Riddle $100,000, minus any taxes due on the portion of the settlement deemed as back pay. The county also must remove any reference to her firing from her personnel file and provide only neutral references about her tenure to prospective employers.

Wilson County has a month from the adoption of the settlement to submit to the Justice Department for approval revised discrimination and retaliation policies, investigation procedures for complaints of discrimination and training programs in sexual harassment for all county employees.

"This lawsuit and settlement send a clear message that the department stands with the brave employees who oppose unlawful discrimination in the workplace and that we will vigorously oppose any employer that attempts to use retaliation as a means to suppress an employee’s civil rights," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, with the department's Civil Rights Division, said in a statement. "With this consent decree, Wilson County has committed to improving the workplace for all of its employees by implementing enhanced anti-discrimination training, policies and investigative procedures."

The consent decree will remain in effect for a year, although the Justice Department could extend it if the county doesn't fulfill its obligations.