A former NJ Transit employee was harassed because of his gender identity and sexual orientation, the lawsuit alleges

A former New Jersey Transit assistant conductor has filed a lawsuit against the agency, alleging she was fired after complaining of harassment by co-workers based on her gender identity and sexual orientation.

The former employee, who identifies as a woman and is lesbian, claims in court documents that she faced ongoing harassment from co-workers and supervisors, culminating in her suspension and eventual termination in April 2024.

The lawsuit was filed in Essex County Superior Court on November 15, 2024. The complaint names NJ Transit, the conductor, an unidentified transit police officer and others who have also not been named.

An NJ Transit representative did not immediately return a call and email seeking comment Tuesday.

The lawsuit alleges that on May 15, 2023, while performing her duties, the conductor’s assistant was harassed by the conductor, who allegedly assumed her gender and made offensive comments.

The conductor allegedly followed the woman on the train, repeatedly saying, “Sir, ma’am, whoever you are,” while angrily demanding she leave the train, the lawsuit alleges.

The woman feared for her safety “but stood her ground and refused to exit the train,” the lawsuit says.

When the woman objected to the alleged treatment, the conductor escalated the situation by calling the New Jersey Transit Police, according to the complaint.

Upon arrival, the male officer reportedly escalated the pursuit, stating, “I understand why he said what he said. We cannot tell who you are,” the lawsuit says.

The woman claims the discrimination continued when her union president, another NJ Transit employee, dismissed her complaints and tried to force her to resign, allegedly saying others would treat her as they saw fit.

The woman was later suspended and fired, according to the lawsuit.

The complaint accuses NJ Transit of failing to meet its obligations under the New Jersey Anti-Discrimination Act, which requires that the workplace be free from discrimination and harassment.

The former employee alleges that the agency did not adequately train or supervise its employees to prevent such behavior.

The lawsuit states that the alleged incidents have caused significant emotional and physical distress, including anxiety, depression and financial hardship.