Port fires 12, disciplines 7 for inappropriate computer use

The Port of Seattle has fired eight employees and four consultants for inappropriate computer use, including viewing sexually explicit photos, sexually-oriented jokes, and jokes about race, gender and national origin on Port equipment.

Seven other employees have received varying degrees of discipline, including leave-without-pay, according to the Port.

The Port's five-paragraph announcement on Friday afternoon did not name the employees and consultants.

"This is especially disappointing, as we have been clear with staff about our expectations that employees read, understand and abide by the Port's policies," said Chief Executive Tay Yoshitani in a statement.

Last year, the Port urged all supervisors to make sure employees understood the Port's anti-harassment and computer-use policies. That directive followed a scandal in which nine Port police officers were disciplined for sending e-mails the Port Commission called "sexually explicit, sexist and racist."

Bob Young: 206-464-2174 or byoung@seattletimes.com