Dept. Of Corrections Speaks On Former Employee Termination

An Oklahoma agency criticized for firing a whistleblower who reported sexual abuse is defending its case. The Oklahoma Department of Corrections is speaking for the first time on the firing of Dr. Whitney Louis.

“I originally talked to one of the sexual assault victims after I had reported it and she said, 'they never came to me, Dr. Louis. They never talked to me,'” Dr. Whitney Louis testified during a hearing with the House Criminal Justice and Corrections Committee.

In that hearing back in July, Dr. Whitney Louis claimed the Department Of Corrections didn't investigate multiple reports of rape and sexual assault. Rep. Justin Humphrey believes the agency fired her in retaliation.

“This was not just an opportunity for us to show the things we are questioning but it was an opportunity for the Department of Corrections to answer the questions,” Rep. Humphrey said.

The agency is ready to answer. Kari Hawkins, general counsel for the DOC says the agency knew nothing about Dr. Louis’ whistle blower complaint when she was let go in January.

“We would never terminate anyone in retaliation for anything,” said Hawkins. “It's impossible and it was absolutely not a factor in her termination, I can say that with a 100 percent certainty.” 

And the rape allegations Dr. Louis brought to light were investigated, according to the DOC.

“Interestingly Whitney Louis would have no way of knowing whether the rapes were or were not being investigated she wouldn't have access to those investigations,” Hawkins said.

However, the Oklahoma Attorney General did.

“He reviewed our responses to the rape allegations and investigations and determined that we did properly investigate those so we're more than satisfied with his ruling on that issue,” she said. 

Along with Dr. Louis’ lawsuit, there are 9 tort claims filed against the agency for unlawful terminations.

“So separated as a result of not coming back to work within a required time frame, some were terminated, some voluntarily resigned or retired so were not understanding the nature of their claim against the agency, but we look forward to defending the agency in each one of those,” said Hawkins.

And while Humphrey says the Civil Service Division ruled against the DOC, the agency is standing by her termination and the fact that she is in the top five percent of the doc’s staff.

“Lots of problems that we want to get to the bottom of, that's what we're elected to do, and we have a committee to do I don't think they respect that committee and don't respect the authority of the courts or the community it appears they're not going to answer to anyone,” Humphrey said.

“At the end of the day Whitney Louis is a 5 percent employee so we have every right to terminate her with or without cause, that ultimately will be how her employment is handled,” said Hawkins.