Written by Tanya Terry, with photo courtesy of Michigan Department of State
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson’s office agreed last month to pay $775,000 to Angela Harness, a department director who had filed a notice of intent to sue the department over a year ago. Harness alleged she was subject to a “racially hostile environment.”
Angela Harness had served as the former director of quality and customer experience for the Department of State. She alleged her authority and duties were reduced in late 2023 and she was treated differently than “similarly situated White and male coworkers.” She had filed a notice of intent to sue in the Michigan Court of Claims against the department, Benson and several department staff members.
The Michigan Department of State did not admit to wrongdoing its agreement. They said, instead, the agreement was a way to avoid the cost and time of litigation.
By agreeing to the separation, Harness waived, discharged and promised not to sue MDOS, Jocelyn Benson, the State of Michigan and other individuals and entities listed on the agreement for any form of discrimination. The agreement specifically states this would include, but not be limited to discrimination under Tilte VII the Civil Rights Act of 1964, or the Elliot-Larsen Civil Rights Act for discrimination, hostile work environment or retaliation, among other acts.
MDOS department spokesperson Angela Benander stated: “The Michigan Department of State has reached a voluntary separation agreement with a former employee. Prior to this agreement, MDOS staff at various levels had filed multiple complaints regarding this employee’s management, hiring practices and exercise of authority. As a result, the department initiated investigations into these complaints as required under MDOS policy. Amid additional ongoing investigations, MDOS reached an agreement with the employee to move forward separately in a way that best serves the people of Michigan and avoids extensive and ongoing legal, personnel, and productivity costs at taxpayer expense.
Angela Harness referred the Courier to her attorney, Leonard Mungo. The Courier reached out to Attorney Mungo, but did not receive a comment before publication time. According to the practice’s website, Attorney Mungo is an employee and civil rights attorney.
Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson is a a Democrat who has announced her plan to run for governor in the 2026 election.
