Judge Rules Pelishek’s Lawsuit Against Sheboygan Will Move Forward

Former Director of Planning and Development Chad Pelishek’s case against the City of Sheboygan will proceed on the Title VII claim of a hostile work environment in a scathing response by U.S. Magistrate Judge William E. Duffin toward both sides’ attorneys.

There will also be a claim moving forward that the following parties failed to provide equal protection for Pelishek from discrimination due to his race:

Mayor Sorenson
Former Alder Amanda Salazar
Director of Senior Services Emily Rendall-Araujo
City Attorney Chuck Adams
City of Sheboygan

The judge dismissed Barbara Felde and Roberta Filicky-Peneski from that claim.

TBS has referenced a culture of fear and intimidation under former Human Resources Director Adam Westbrook and has received questions on evidence to support a culture of fear and intimidation.

Magistrate Judge Duffin raised the bar from a culture of fear and intimidation to a potentially hostile work environment.

Magistrate Judge Duffin points out that being falsely labeled a racist could constitute harassment. The false allegations were so severe that Pelishek couldn’t do his job and had mental health issues due to the stress.

The decision and order state that Mayor Sorenson, as Pelishek’s supervisor, not only allegedly contributed to this false narrative but also allowed it to be repeated and spread through the community and city government.

The Sheboygan Press published articles stating that Pelishek used a racial slur in a meeting. TBS was informed that he repeatedly asked city leaders for a press release or statement to clear his name. This request was always refused.

City Attorney Chuck Adams, however, was quick to release a press statement regarding the article posted by WHBL on former Human Resources Director Adam Westbrook’s resignation. View WHBL link here.

Adams was quick to offer support to Westbrook, who is currently facing charges of child pornography and sexual exploitation of a child.

Why wouldn’t Adams step up to clear Pelishek’s name?

When Pelishek contacted former H.R. Director Adam Westbrook, he was informed that he “had no protected status,” and it was implied that Pelishek should just deal with it.

This is the second documented complaint alleging Westbrook informed the employee that they could not be harassed or discriminated against.

Both employees are moving forward with legal action against the City of Sheboygan. Regardless of the outcome of these cases, litigation will cost money, and you, as the taxpayer, will pay for it.

The city attorney’s office should prevent or minimize how often Sheboygan faces legal issues.

There are currently two federal court cases against the city and two Department of Workforce Development complaints against it, which may end up as lawsuits.

Adam Westbrook cited unwavering personal and professional support from Assistant Attorney Liz Majerus.

Did this unwavering support lead to Westbrook allegedly denying employees protections under the law?

According to Magistrate Judge Duffin, one mistake could have contributed to a hostile work environment — a much higher bar than a culture of fear and intimidation.

Are you tired of the endless stream of lawsuits?

Are you frustrated that you will have to pay for these lawsuits as a taxpayer?

When will it be enough for you to act?

Email City Administrator Casey Bradley today to share your concerns with the city attorney’s office: casey.bradley@sheboyganwi.gov.

Download Pelishek Court document here.

Take Back Sheboygan County knows that many former and current City employees have been reluctant to share their stories for fear of retaliation. If you are one of these, we welcome you to contact us. Your name will not be shared without permission. You can contact us at https://takebacksheboygancounty.com/contact/.

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