COD offers to settle women's lawsuits

The College of DuPage has offered to cover almost all of the legal fees accrued by three former female trustees who accuse the outgoing board chairman of sexual harassment.

The agreement calls for Chairman Mike McKinnon to drop the appeal of his dismissed defamation lawsuit against Mary Mack, Jane Herron and Mary Sue Brown and pay for his own legal fees in exchange for Mack dropping her battery complaint against McKinnon and the college covering 80 percent of the women's legal fees. College attorney Ken Florey estimated that to amount to around $40,000 to $50,000. McKinnon had initially sought reimbursement for legal fees from the college.

The board voted unanimously Thursday to make the offer. McKinnon recused himself from the vote but seemingly has agreed to the deal after spending several hours behind closed doors debating the matter with the board. He did not speak after the meeting.

None of the women attended the board meeting Thursday, but trustees said Brown has signaled she's willing to accept the offer. The other two have until May 1 to agree or the deal is pulled, Florey said.

The saga began late last year when McKinnon sued the three women after allegations that he had inappropriately touched or spoken to some of them were published in a local newspaper. McKinnon sought $2 million from each of the women.

Mack sued McKinnon for battery in December and also named the college for not providing her with legal help when she was sued by McKinnon.

In February a DuPage County judge dismissed McKinnon's defamation saying the women had protection under a state law that raises the bar for accusers who sue public officials. Florey said he believes if the court cases continue the college would not have to pay the women's legal fees, but the board wants to put the matter to rest.