21st Century Democrats - Religious Discrimination Lawsuit

Religious Discrimination Lawsuit

In November 2007, 21st Century Democrats was sued in United States federal court by their former communications director, Kenneth Goldman. The lawsuit stated that three workers were fired in 2006 for refusing to attend "religious events," referring to the Landmark Forum. A formal complaint was filed in a Washington, D.C. court, stating that Landmark Education has "religious characteristics and theological implications." The lawsuit also stated that Landmark Education's influence could be felt in the 21st Century Democrats' "mission, business structure ... and communications."

The executive director for 21st Century Democrats stated he believed the lawsuit had no merits, and called it "frivolous." The suit was dismissed by the court with prejudice.

A spokesman for Landmark Education stated that the San Francisco, California based company "is in no way religious in nature and any claim to the contrary is simply absurd." Goldman stated that two other employees of 21st Century Democrats regularly discussed their unease with him over Landmark Education's influence over the company, and believed that former executive director Kelly Young treated the Landmark Forum seminars like a "religion." Landmark Education and the two other employees who were fired are not a party to the lawsuit between Goldman and 21st Century Democrats.