Ex-Dundee Township library staffer alleges harassment

A former Dundee Township Library employee who says he was unfairly terminated has filed a discrimination complaint against the library and its director.

Joseph Schuldt, 49, of Deerfield filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Human Rights charging sex discrimination, sex harassment and retaliation.

Schuldt, the library's head of business services for 3½ years, said library Director Elisa Topper discriminated against him based on gender and subjected him to sexual harassment.

Topper said neither the library district nor its attorneys knew of the allegations until the Daily Herald called Friday seeking comment.

"There was no discrimination," Topper said. "These are the actions of a disgruntled former employee."

In the complaint, Schuldt alleges Topper made sexually explicit comments in his presence and gave him inappropriate and suggestive gifts over a six-month period.

In December, Schuldt was nominated for Staff Member of the Year. He was fired a month later.

In addition to the harassment complaints, Schuldt said there was inconsistent treatment among male and female staff members.

No hearing has been set for the case. Schuldt said a lawsuit is pending the commission's findings.