3 Palmer Twp. employees were fired for creating a racist work environment, attorney says

Three Palmer Township public works employees were fired for allegedly fostering a culture of racism in the department, or for failing to curb it, according to the attorney for one of the employees.

Easton attorney Don Souders said his client was wrongfully accused of allowing the racist climate to continue around a Hispanic employee.

“My client is aghast at these false allegations,” Souders said in an email Wednesday, Dec 3.

He confirmed the three employees were fired Monday, Dec. 1, after an investigation that lasted about two months.

The township refused to confirm Souders’ claims or provide any context for them. Township Manager Robert Williams issued this statement:

“Palmer Township takes all allegations of workplace discrimination extremely seriously. We are committed to maintaining a professional environment built on respect, inclusion, and accountability.

“Our policies make clear that we have zero tolerance for slurs, harassment, or any form of discriminatory conduct. While we will not comment on the details of individual personnel matters or investigations, the public can be assured that we act promptly and decisively whenever such allegations arise.”

Williams wouldn’t confirm the job status or the names of the three employees who were allegedly fired.

The township must disclose each employee’s name, job title, salary, employment contract, dates of employment and the final decision regarding demotion or discharge. That’s according to Melissa Melewsky, the media law counsel for the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association

Lehighvalleylive.com filed a right-to-know request on Friday, Dec. 5, to obtain that information and for the findings of the investigation.

Asked for information about the employees, Williams issued this statement:

“As a matter of policy, the township does not comment on specific personnel actions, investigations, or individuals involved.

“What we can emphasize is our unwavering commitment to a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, or bias of any kind. Allegations of such conduct are taken with the utmost seriousness, and we act in accordance with our zero‑tolerance standards. Beyond that, we will not be providing further comment.”

The township isn’t required to say why an employee was fired, Melewsky said, but the state’s right-to-know law does allow the township to release that information when it serves the public interest if no other law requires confidentiality.

“The township can be more forthcoming with this issue and with personnel issues more generally,” she said. “Situations where township policy may — or may not — have been violated call out for transparency, and discretionary release is a great way to provide it.”