According to the Pioneer Press, the lawsuit alleges that unfiltered web access attracted patrons seeking hard core pornography who would monopolise the library's computers and "would react angrily and at times violently if any effort was made to interfere".
The so-called 'Minneapolis 12' began their legal battle three years ago. In 2001, an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued a preliminary ruling against the Minneapolis Library System, saying that unrestricted internet surfing created a sexually hostile work environment. The Commission suggested that the 12 employees receive compensation of $12,000 each and referred the case to the Justice Department.
The Library System did not settle and the Justice Department decided last month not to take action following a 19-month review. Yesterday, the lawsuit was filed by the Minneapolis 12, seeking compensation for humiliation, emotional distress and anxiety resulting from the hostile work environment.