Fired Woman Sues Golf Club, Claiming Sexism

A woman who worked at a nearby men-only golf club for nearly three decades before being fired is suing, arguing she was fired because she wouldn't put up with sexist treatment. 

Toni DeMay said she was fired from her job as general manager at Wheatley Hills Golf Club in 2010 after 28 years because she's a woman and wouldn't put up with the hostile work environment, claiming in the court documents that “some of the club members have a more prehistoric mindset” and “have chafed at the fact that a woman was in a position of such authority and importance at the club” with some lobbying to terminate her employment.

DeMay, an East Williston resident, had served as the club’s general manager since 1999 according to court papers.

In court papers obtained by Patch, DeMay said her boss would push her to put Playboy and Penthouse magazines in the locker room. Management also wanted women to wear skimpy outfits. 

Defendants named in papers include the club itself, John Fives of East Williston, Jack Lynch of Fresh Meadows, Joseph Gordon of Floral Park, Lou Russo of Melville and Anthony Carillo of Old Westbury. The court papers allege that each of the defendants conspired to exert influence over the club’s board so as to not renew DeMay’s contract. Each denies all of the charges.

High-profile former members of the club include comedian George Burns and powerful urban planner Robert Moses, who was a Long Island resident.