DeWater v. State

— The issue in this sexual harassment case is whether the State of Washington is vicariously liable for the discriminatory acts of a foster parent toward a worker hired and supervised by the foster parent but paid by the State. The trial court dismissed the Plaintiffs action on summary judgment. We affirm.

We hold a foster parent is not an "employee” of the State for purposes of the law against discrimination, ROW 49.60; therefore, the State is not vicariously liable for the foster parent’s alleged acts of harassment.

FACTS

Thelma DeWater brought this action for employment discrimination against…