Kohler

In this action for gender-based harassment under the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) (Gov. Code, § 12900 et seq.), the trial court granted summary judgment in favor of defendant Interstate Brands Corporation (Interstate) on the ground plaintiff Renae Kohler (Kohler) had released Interstate from liability for her FEHA claim by signing a standard workers’ compensation compromise and release agreement releasing “all claims and causes of action” against Interstate. Kohler appeals, arguing the broad language of the workers’ compensation release was not sufficient to release her civil claims against Interstate. The Supreme Court’s recent decision in Jefferson v. Department of Youth Authority (2002) 28 Cal.4th 299 [ 121 Cal.Rptr.2d 391 , 48 P.3d 423 ] (Jefferson) compels a different conclusion. Accordingly, we will affirm the judgment.

Factual and Procedural History

Kohler began her employment with Interstate in June 1977. While working at Interstate, she claims she was physically and verbally harassed by fellow Interstate employee Ralph Gallego. The details of the harassment are not relevant to this appeal.

In 1999, Kohler filed a workers’ compensation…