Garvis Wright Quoted in Los Angeles Times on Dismissal of Adel Hagekhalil

Glaser Weil Employment Partner and Department Chair Kerry Garvis Wright was quoted in Los Angeles Times regarding the board of Metropolitan Water District of Southern California’s decision to dismiss the now-former Chief Executive and General Manager, Adel Hagekhalil. This decision followed the MWD board placing Hagekhalil on temporary administrative leave pending internal workplace investigations in June 2024.

“This decision is nothing more than a political power grab, clearing the way for Metropolitan to return to old and antiquated water policies,” Garvis Wright said in an email. “Over the past week, Mr. Hagekhalil offered to resolve his legal claims against MWD, but now is left with no choice but to pursue all his legal options to protect his rights and reputation.”

Garvis Wright further stated that the board’s decision to terminate Hagekhalil’s contract without cause was consistent with the discriminatory and retaliatory treatment he experienced throughout his tenure. She emphasized that as an Arab and Muslim American, he and others faced overtly racist remarks and actions from board members who actively opposed him.

Read the full Los Angeles Times article (subscription required). This news was also covered in Politico. Past coverage can be accessed here.