Former Director Sues Elite NY Country Club After Reporting Sexual Harassment

Natalia Grainger, former squash director of the Westchester County Club, filed a lawsuit against the country club recently. Her complaint alleges that she was fired after she noticed and reported that male club members were sexually harassing female club employees.

Case background

Grainger is believed to be the only female director in the club’s century of existence. She sued the country club after they demanded her resignation, “or else she would be fired for cause and publicly embarrassed” for making the report. During her tenure as squash director, she was particularly concerned about sexual harassment at the club when she discovered a “trail of text messages” from male club members in which they talked about a “lineup” of women that they had picked out for “the evening’s fun.” Later, an employee’s sister called Grainger late at night, believing that the employee was drugged by one of the male club members who allegedly said he wasn’t paying the employee to play squash.

When Grainger reported her concerns, the club did not investigate. Instead, they “grilled” her and told her she shouldn’t have made the report. Grainger submitted a written complaint. A week later, the Board President and club manger demanded her resignation. They claimed she had spent excessive time away from work, despite Grainger earning a merit raise and additional responsibilities at work during this time. No official complaints were made, and no disciplinary action had been taken.

Grainger is suing the club based on discrimination, retaliation and breach of contract. She seeks a jury trial.

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