ITHACA, N.Y. (WHCU) — A former Ithaca city official says workplace conditions led to his resignation.

Luis Aguirre-Torres stepped down as Sustainability Director last month, after being hired in March 2021. He says he never got the proper support to help Ithaca’s climate goals.

He claims he faced discrimination and hundreds of microaggressions.

Aguirre-Torres alleges City Attorney Ari Lavine acted as a bully.

In response, Lavine and Acting Mayor Laura Lewis say they cannot comment on personnel matters. They add they remain committed to polices that prohibit workplace discrimination. They thank Aguirre-Torres for his efforts in support of Ithaca’s Green New Deal.