Office of Human Rights Rules In Favor Of Koumentakos

On May 4, 2007, the Office of Human Rights of Howard County, Maryland, found, after investigation, that there was sufficient evidence to support Kristine Patico Koumentakos’ allegation that she was discriminated against based on sex (pregnancy). Koumentakos had been employed by St. Matthew House, a non-profit corporation, since the late 1990s. On February 3, 2006, she was ordered by Archpriest Raymond Velencia, president of the non-profit’s board of directors, to take a maternity leave. Five days later Velencia unilaterally terminated her employment. The Office of Human Rights findings are attached above.

Earlier, on April 25, 2007, the Office of Human Rights had found that there was sufficient evidence to support Koumentakos’ additional allegations of discrimination based on retaliation. Koumentakos had alleged that Velencia had retaliated against her for filing her complaint with the Office of Human Rights. Velencia filed a interim peace order against Koumentakos, sent a letter to her parish family saying that her complaint for discrimination had been unable to gain any “traction,” and refused to pay the non-profit’s cell phone bill, which was in Koumentakos’ name. The Office of Human Rights found in Koumentakos’ favor on all counts. Those findings are also linked above.