I had worked for a small government office for over six years. Our boss was sick of the politics he had to deal with over his 15 year tenure and so he retired. Without a boss, I as the office admin, took over his duties for about a year until they hired a new one. New boss came in super chipper and positive, and I invested as much energy into getting him settled and up to speed as I could. At his 12 month probation mark, he changed somewhat. Went from chipper and “how can I make everything better for all of you” to “my way or the highway” but I was mostly safe because there was no way to replace me.
Then I got pregnant. He started making really weird comments to me and being in general pretty overall creepy. Looped him and the board in on my maternity leave plans and they were accepted. Left for maternity leave on a Friday, and the next Monday new boss shows up at my door with a letter saying I was suspended. I was shocked. The last few weeks of my pregnancy were crushingly stressful, and after informing new boss and board that this was illegal, new boss switches it up saying it was for poor performance, with no details. Sets up a disciplinary hearing.
At this hearing, new boss brings forth a litany of utter garbage and outright lies. Having just given birth and having no advanced notice of the accusations, I couldn’t really defend myself. I asked for an appeal hearing, this time in front of the Board. This time, I knew what the accusations were and was able to provide proof that it was all lies.
Board ultimately settled on firing me anyway because it was clear new boss refused to work with me further and it was cheaper to replace me than him.
I’ve been told by everyone that I have a case for discrimination but no lawyer seems interested. I’m stuck having to move on, now that we have no income, no benefits and a new baby. CA DFEH sent the case to the EEOC and the EEOC’s determination was that they made no determination. All of this is so illegal and there is literally no recourse for me or my family.