Hostile Work Environment at the Department of Corrections

Daniele Tavenner was employed as a corrections officer at Airway Heights Corrections Center in 2019. While undergoing training, one of her supervisors called her into his office and offered her “protection” from male staff members and inmates in exchange for sex.

Daniele reported the offer, along with other inappropriate comments, to human resources and asked to ensure interaction with the offending supervisor could be avoided in the future.

Her request was shot down and she resigned the next day.

Trying to Hold the DOC Accountable

Following her resignation, Daniele consulted with an attorney from The Advocates. With representation from John Harper and Stefanie Collins, she filed a lawsuit against the Department of Corrections.

Spokane Jury Awards $175,000

Following a 6-day trial and less than a day of deliberation, the jury found there was indeed a hostile work environment and awarded Daniele $175,000.

Although Daniele says she’s ready to move on with her life, she hopes the verdict will help bring change to the Department of Corrections.

In a story that ran in the Spokesman-Review following the verdict, Daniele commented, “Hopefully, it says that things need to change there. That people shouldn’t be put in these positions, and that when allegations are made, they need to be taken more seriously.”