PASADENA : Chamber Official Accused of Harassment to Resign

The head of the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce, who has been accused by past and current employees of racial discrimination and sexual harassment, said Friday that he will resign at the end of the year in order deflect criticism from the organization.

Chamber Chief Executive Officer Bruce Ackerman characterized the charges against him as “ludicrous and ridiculous,” but said that his presence would make it “impossible for the chamber to continue its work” because of the continuing controversy. The chamber’s attorney found “without legal merit” charges that Ackerman fondled women in the office and discriminated against black employees, Chamber President Steve Ralph said.

Contract employee Allison Bedell, who is black, initiated a lawsuit against Ackerman and the chamber, charging that she was twice passed over for management jobs because of her race. Several employees have said Ackerman fondled women.