First of all, unlawful harassment is a form of discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal authority. Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on race, color, religion, sex, (whether or not of a sexual nature and including same-gender harassment and gender identity harassment) national origin, age (40 and over) disability (physical or mental), sexual orientation, or retaliation constitutes harassment when: the conduct is sufficiently severe or pervasive to create a hostile work environment; or a supervisor’s harassing conduct results in a tangible change in an employee’s employment status or benefits (such as demotion, termination, failure to promote, etc).

Examples of actions that create a sexual hostile work environment include leering, making offensive remarks about looks, clothing or body parts, touching in a way that makes an employee feel uncomfortable such as patting, pinching, or intentional brushing up against another’s body. Telling sexual or lewd jokes, making sexual gestures or hanging sexual posters, or sending sexually soliciting letters, notes, emails or other images.

Judging by your message, your Senior Field Supervisor may be guilty of inappropriate conduct that could be unlawful with respect to workplace harassment. Further, employers cannot retaliate against employees for bringing complaints forward about potential unlawful conduct by coworkers. If this is in fact occurring, and you cannot approach your employer without fear of retaliation, you have other avenues you may pursue. It’s important that you know that no one should tolerate workplace harassment of any type or form. I respect that you need your job, but you should not have to pay a painful price to keep it. You can always consult a local labor attorney who specializes in sexual harassment, or you can contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. You can find the EEOC on the internet. I understand that we’re living in tough economic times, but some lawyers will take on a case on not seek compensation until the case settles.

Your allegations are quite serious and should be taken up with the proper authorities. Time is of the essence. I encourage you to record carefully all of the incidents that have occurred by date and time, including as much accurate information as you can recall. Please refer to my blog on Record Keeping. You, the previous woman terminated and any other individuals harassed by The Senior Field Supervisor may have a legitimate claim against this individual. I can’t say whether or not your claim will prevail, but these types of behaviors are the reasons why Title VII and unlawful harassment laws were written in the first place. To prevent women like you and me from suffering unlawful treatment in the workplace, and to ensure that the workplace is just that — a place where we can work and be productive and enjoy welcome relationships with our coworkers.

I wish you luck with your case. Please write back to me and let me know what you plan on doing to resolve your matter. I wish you luck, patience, and perseverance. Don’t let anyone take your civil rights away from you. Ever.

Normarae