Without denying that real harassment can and does occur, I just think people in general are sick of this kind of accusation. And, most people don’t understand the law, or the legal definition - and thus automatically assume “the worst”. Here’s an excerpt from the EEOC website:
“Although the law doesn’t prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).”
One person’s “offhand comment” may turn into another person’s “harassment”. Especially if, for example, that person is under pressure for poor performance. I have personally experienced a situation where a female employee made vague allegations of “sexual harassment” NOT coincidentally, the day after she received a tough performance review.
Anyone can make an allegation. Any molehill can be turned into a mountain inside a persons imagination, or with sufficient motive. Resolving these issues takes time and costs money, and there are cases where a quick settlement that gets the person out of the organization is the expedient route.
Just remember, we don’t know the facts. No one other than those involved do. And we don’t know whether any allegations that may have been made are true or not.
You are right, Bigbob! When someone says “sexual harassment” we usually think of a situation where the boss says, “Have sex with me or I’ll fire you”. However, the guidelines are so blurred now... there isn’t a guy on FR who isn’t guilty of it. Let me explain: my husband and his co-workers attended a sexual harassment workshop (deemed required by the state). Did you know that commenting on someone’s new hairstyle or outfit is considered off limits. A few weeks after the workshop, a gal he works with comes to work. She is sporting a new hairstyle. Well, after several hours.. she gets miffed. “Doesn’t anyone have anything to say about my new hairstyle?!” My husband says, “I would like to comment but I wouldn’t want to say anything that could be perceived as evaluating you on an appearance rather than work performance”. The whole room laughed since every male in there was thinking the same thing.
After experiencing the games people play (esp women)... I'm surprised anyone survives in upper management.