Posts Tagged ‘Sexual Harassment Allegations’
Women in Combat; Marines Fear Spike in Sexual Harassment Allegations
February 5th, 2013
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Washington, D.C. – Allowing women in combat is a controversial move, although they have been serving in that manner for some time, but a survey of Marines highlights some of the fear regarding this move by Department of Defense.
A survey of 53,000 male Marines released by the Associated Press last Friday showed that 17 percent of the respondents said they would leave the corps if women were allowed on the front lines. In contrast, only 4 percent of women said they would leave if their sex was allowed in combat.
The survey was conducted last summer and the results were turned over to the Department of Defense well ahead of Leon Panetta’s announcement last week.
Listed among the major concerns for both male and female was sexual harassment. Men feared that allegations of sexual harassment and assault would increase and once women were allowed in combat, according to the Huffington Post.
Among the other fears for men was fraternization and preferential treatment; they also feared personal problems or pregnancy would affect female combat marines.
In addition to worrying about sexual harassment, Marine women worried they would be targeted as POWs by enemies and how they would take care of personal hygiene, though they weren’t specific.
Vocal opponents of allowing women in combat believe the move will put service men in danger since their differences in the strength of men and women, worrying that women would not be capable of offering aide to a downed male soldier or that having them on the battlefield would break conventional social norms.
The concern about sexual harassment is a valid one since the military has been beleaguered by numerous allegations from female soldiers who have been deployed or are in training. It has been such a problem that the military has been forced to institute a new sexual harassment and assault reporting system and assigned a general to ensure the incidents are being reported and handled properly.
Late last year, twenty women filed a lawsuit against the Department of Defense and Leon Panetta, accusing the agency of ignoring harassment and assault in the ranks a violating their constitutional right to due process.
Susan Burke, the attorney representing the women said, “The pattern is the same for all of them: The victim is blamed, ostracized, retaliated against. Rape kits are lost, evidence is lost; there is no court marital.”
That lawsuit followed a scandal involving close to a dozen Air Force training officers at the Lackland base in Texas who were accused of sexually assaulting and harassing female recruits. One of the instructors faced allegations that he had sex with recruits and another instructor is accused of sexually assaulting or raping 10 recruits.
That is just one of the many recent cases of sexual misconduct in the ranks of the military, so it is understandable why allowing women in combat may concerns many servicemen and servicewomen. But in two wars where the battlefield is so indistinct it’s important to remember that women have been on the frontlines all along.
Will there be false allegations, possibly. Will there be harassment, it’s likely, but with an adequate training, a reporting system and leaders who are willing to address sexual misconduct allegations these issues can be conquered.
Sexual Harassment Allegations Lead to Resignation of Square Inc. COO Keith Rabois
January 28th, 2013
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
San Francisco, CA- A relationship with a male coworker and the subsequent threat of a lawsuit lead to the resignation of Square Inc. COO Keith Rabois’ resignation from company which developed an Apple mobile-payment system.
The details of Rabois’ departure was a tightly held secret, with Square CFO Kara Swisher telling the media the resignation was spurred on by a disagreement between Rabois and CEO Jack Dorsey, Business Insider stated.
But the details of the affair came to light when the Wall Street Journal broke the story. Shortly after, Rabois posted his version of events on his Tumblr account in which denies the allegations.
It appears as though a man, who had a previous relationship with Rabois, approached the company and threatened to initiate a sexual harassment lawsuit, which have been very costly to the company.
According to Rabois’ blog, he met Steve Berger through friends before he was hired by the company. They began a mentoring friendship which developed into an emotionally and physically intimate relationship.
As it progressed, Rabois wrote he encourage Berger to interview with Square, but made it clear he had no influence on the Berger’s hiring or his future with the company. Rabois pointed out that he did not directly supervise Berger.
Rabois, who previously worked for PayPal, learned of the lawsuit when Berger’s attorney approached the company alleging the relationship was not consensual. On his blog Rabois described some of the allegations against him as “pretty horrible.”
He said the threat of a multi-million dollar lawsuit the fact that his “reputation” and livelihood were at stake if the lawsuit was going to continue was part of the reason he resigned. Rabois also said he made the decision so his “colleagues could continue the great work they do without the distraction that a lawsuit would most certainly bring.”
Rabois said he would defend himself to the “fullest extent of the law,” and asserts that the relationship was consensual, though he admits making a mistake by keeping the relationship a secret.
In a separate statement, Square Inc. said, “While we have not found evidence to support any claims, Keith exercised poor judgment that ultimately undermined his ability to be an effective leader at Square. We accepted his resignation.”
Many companies have policies against relationships in the workplace and before dating someone you work closely with or may be a supervisory position check the policy. If there is no such policy, disclosing a relationship to Human Resources can prevent the advent of sexual harassment allegations if the relationship turns sour.
Men are frequent objects of sexual harassment both by male and female counterparts or superiors. Though harassment allegations from men are less common than they are from women it is a growing issue in the workplace. Regardless of the sex of the person being sexually harassed it still illegal and employees who engage in this conduct put themselves and their employers at risk of being sued.
Deputy Philadelphia Police Commissioner Accused of Using Force as Dating Service, Adding to a Growing Sexual Scandal
January 3rd, 2013
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Philadelphia, PA- The sign outside the Philadelphia Police Department says “Honor, Integrity, Service,” but according to some officers, top officials didn’t follow those tenants and has accused some top officials of sexual harassment and retaliation.
The Philadelphia Police Department is facing yet other another accusation of sexual misconducted perpetrated by the Deputy Commissioner. A long-time aide for Philadelphia’s Deputy Police commissioner, William Blackburn, has come forward with allegations that Blackburn used the police force as his personal “dating service.”
Officer Walter Maiellano said in court documents, obtained by Daily News that Blackburn would comb through Police Department’s employee data base to photos of female officers and pick out the ones thought were attractive and wanted to meet, according to Philly.com.
According Maiellano, Blackburn would then instruct him to find out where the women worked, “William Blackburn would have me drive [him] to meet the female officer. This would happen too often,” Maiellano said in the document.
This new allegation surfaced as result of an investigation into sexual harassment allegations filed against Blackburn by a former Police Captain, Debra Frazier, which was filed on April of 2012.
“”It’s shocking that he [Blackburn] would use a police personnel file as his own private dating service,” said Frazier’s attorney, Brian Puricelli.”He went to the district so it would appear like he was there on business. In reality, he was trying to pick them up.”
According to Frazier’s lawsuit Blackburn, 55, a 31-year veteran of the force, harassed her for almost three years and retaliated against her once she refused her advances.
Frazier alleges that Blackburn began calling and sending her text messages almost daily inquiring about her personal life and telling her how lonely he felt, according the Philly.com. He also began asking for sexual favors and “female companionship in exchange for preferential treatment, the lawsuit claims. Blackburn’s behavior began to escalate into stalking.
Both Frazer and Blackburn attended the same gym and Frazer stated he began staring at her buttocks in the company of others. Once as Blackburn was leaving the gym, he allegedly told Frazer he should run her over with his car.
Frazer made both informal and formal complaints but shortly after Blackburn began retaliating against her, requiring her to attend unnecessary meetings, asking her to wear a uniform even though she was plain clothes officer in the Narcotics unit and also barred her from the office.
In an ensuing investigation, Blackburn was cleared of any wrong-doing from Staff Investigator, Jerrold Bates. In August of this year a former officer and aide to Bates, Keisha Johnson, came forward accusing her former boss of sexual harassment, as well.
According to Johnson, Bates began fondling her and threatened to fire her is she refuse his advances. Johnson said Bates would show her photos of women he planned on replacing her with and stated one of the women offered him oral sex everyday if he would hire her.
Bates harassment stopped while Johnson was pregnant but started again after she had her baby.
One of Johnson’s fellow officers said sexual harassment was rampant in the Police Department, “It’s a boys’ club and the only way to get ahead in the department is to act like a b*tch, or to lay down with one of them,” the cop told the New York Daily News.
Sexual harassment isn’t unusual in police departments or other male-dominated fields. The only way to put an end to harassing behavior is for women to speak out, even if they fear retaliation.
Two Different Police Departments Forced to Address Sexual Harassment Allegations; Is Harassment a Serious Problem in Law Enforcement?
December 21st, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Atlanta, GA- Two different police agencies, one in Missouri and North Carolina, are being forced to address sexual harassment complaints and allegations of retaliation. Could the stress of being in law enforcement cause people to engage in sexual misconduct or is it just an issue of too much power?
In Urbana, Missouri, two veteran officers were fired after allegations of sexual abuse between them arose. Officers Roxy Flippin and Jason Owens had a contentious relationship from the beginning but things reached a head when Flippin allegedly threatened Owens and both were suspended with pay, according to the KSRP 33, local ABC affiliate.
In a closed Alderman meeting, the board decided to fire Flippin because of the threat and announced Owens would get a full-time position. After the meeting opened Filppin then told the board she was repeatedly sexually harassed by Owens.
Owens was then fired, and now the department must investigate Flippin’s allegations.
Flippin refused to grant an interview to KSRP but in a statement her attorney said, “There was a lot of discrimination based on sex and there was an assault on Roxy that was overlooked by the Mayor and Chief of Police.”
In a recent incident on North Carolina, a female Catawba County sheriff’s deputy alleged that she was sexually harassed by a superior officer and Sheriff Coy Reed fired her after reporting the misconduct.
According to the Hickory Record, Deputy Stacy Minor filed a federal lawsuit last week, alleging Lieutenant Joseph Sigmon sexually harassed her for over a year. The lawsuit says that Reed fired her for complaining and refusing Sigmon’s sexual advances. The suit also names the County as defendant because they refused to address the complaints.
The lawsuit lists a number of salacious comments and actions by Sigmon. In one incident Sigmon told her “I bet you are finger licking good, and texted her “how are the twins (referring to her breasts),” among other accusations.
Also in January of 2011, Sigmon was sitting in the driveway of her home without invitation. When she told Reed, Sigmon admitted to it, but was not disciplined.
Reed says she never told Sigmon to stop the harassment. Minor’s lawsuit admits she never told Sigmon “no,” but that was because she feared for her job.
After she became pregnant she was transferred to detention center, and was eventually fired on November 12th.
Sexual harassment in police ranks are fairly common, but it is it a serious problem? There have been no studies to show that it is a pervasive problem exclusive to law enforcement, but on this site we frequently report on incidents involving law enforcement agencies nationwide.
The real issue at play in sexual harassment is power. The majority of sexual harassment cases involve harassment of a subordinate by a superior. Bosses often have the advantage because they know employees are often afraid to report incidents for fear of being fired, and that the majority of incidents will go unreported.
Power gives some people the impression they can abuse others without the threat of recourse. Even the threat of a lawsuit is not enough to discourage harassment and retaliation in the workplace.
Nearly half of women and a smaller percentage of men admit they have been sexually harassed at least once during their working lives, but failed to report those incidents. And when they do report they their allegations, superiors ignore or dismiss allegations as frivolous.
Adequate sexual harassment training is one solution, but is not a cure for the pervasiveness of harassment and discrimination in the workplace. So what can we do to end this problem?
Will a Brevard County School Teacher be Terminated Following Sexual Harassment Allegations?
November 19th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
The superintendent of the Brevard County School District has released new data regarding an investigation into a Brevard County band director who was accused of sexual harassment and hazing.
J. Bernard Wilkins, the band director at Heritage High School in Palm Bay, was accused of making inappropriate sexual comments and physical abuse, in addition to making mishandling band funds. According to Wilkins, some of the sexual comments made to students were so graphic, he couldn’t put them in public record. He has recommended Wilkins be fired and never allowed to return to the school.
An investigation into the incidents revealed that Wilkins also made racially derogatory comments to the students. Among the physical abuse, Wilkins was accused of beating on a child’s chest with drumsticks to the point it left bruises.
The school board will vote on Wilkins’ termination next Tuesday.
Have you been subjected to unwanted sexual comments or inappropriate touching? If so, you may be entitled to file a claim against your offender. Speak to a sexual harassment lawyer to discuss your options and see if you qualify for compensation.
Many sexual harassment victims may be eligible to receive money damages for their pain and suffering, and hiring a sexual harassment attorney will help ensure that the best possible outcome for your case is attained. Your legal representative will also see to it that everything is done so as to make sure the offender is brought to justice and never harms you or another victim again.
For more information on filing a case, turn to a sexual harassment lawyer today and schedule a consultation. With legal assistance, you can fight for your rights and make sure that you are rid of your workplace hostility.
Will Sexual Harassment Policies at the University of Iowa Change?
November 16th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
University of Iowa President Sally Mason met with three members of the Iowa Board of Regents to discuss the way the university has been and will be handling sexual harassment allegations against a former athletics department official.
The meeting was intended to discuss strategies for moving forward with the sexual harassment allegations against Peter Gray, who resigned from his position last week as associate director of Athletic Student Services after an internal investigation found he had violated university policy.
Mason did not reveal much of what was being discussed, but told Cedar Rapids television station KGAN that she is working on the situation.
“Once I have all the facts, I’ll issue some additional statements, and I assure you there will be more actions taken, without a doubt — so stay tuned,” she said. “It’s a work in progress, and we’re going to work as quickly as we can to make sure that all stakeholders who have an interest in this are satisfied at the answers that we’re going to generate.”
Gray had been employed at the university since 2002 and had also worked at the university in the early 90s. Among the allegations against him, Gray has been accused of trading football tickets and money for sexual favors and inappropriately touching students in a sexual manner.
Have you or someone you know been hurt by a sexual predator? Have you been discriminated against or touched inappropriately? If so, you may benefit from seeking legal assistance to protect your rights and possibly obtain compensation for your pain and suffering.
Contact a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to discuss your options and determine if you have a viable case. With legal help, you can rest assured that your assailant will be brought to justice.
BBC Involved in Sexual Harassment Scandal
October 24th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
LONDON, UK – A sexual abuse scandal is taking over the BBC as the broadcaster claims it is investigating allegations of unwanted sexual harassment against nine staff members and contributors, in addition to the late sexual predator (and TV host) Jimmy Savile.
The BBC has been dealing with sexual harassment allegations involving Savile, who died last year. The claims accuse Savile of sexually abusing several underage teens over several decades, sometimes on BBC premises. Some of the alleged victims have also accused other entertainers and BBC staff of participating in the sexual harassment, which allegedly took place between the 1960s and ’80s.
According to director-general George Entwistle, the BBC is looking into the allegations, but that it is too early to tell whether sexual abuse did in fact occur on BBC property. He added that the BBC would assist law enforcement officers in the investigation.
Entwistle also acknowledged there was “a problem of culture within the BBC … a broader cultural problem” that allowed Savile’s lewd behavior to go unchecked.
“There is no question that what Jimmy Savile did and the way the BBC behaved … will raise questions of trust for us and reputation for us,” said Entwistle.
Unfortunately, you don’t have to go overseas to know that sexual harassment is prevalent everywhere, especially in the United States. If you have been hurt by a sexual offender, contact a sexual harassment lawyer immediately to file a case and contest your rights.
Sexual harassment attorneys are on your side and will fight for your rights. They will work diligently to help you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering as well as to make sure the perpetrator is brought to justice.
Call to schedule a consultation with a sexual harassment lawyer near you today.
Kleiner Perkins Fires Ellen Pao in Wake of Sexual Harassment Suit; Was This a Wise Move?
October 4th, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
Menlo Park, CA- Kleiner Perkins, who is embroiled in a highly-publicized sexual harassment lawsuit with Ellen Pao, notified her Monday that she needed to clean out her office. But with the venture capital firm still tied up in litigation with Pao, was it wise for them to let her go?
Her lawyer, Alan Exelrod, doesn’t think so, who said they would sue the Kleiner Perkins for wrongful termination.
Pao filed a sexual harassment and gender discrimination suit against the venture capital company after she had an affair with a colleague who began to sexually harassed her once their affair ended. The alleged harassment went on for five years and despite reporting the behavior, Kleiner Perkins failed to address the issue.
In addition to sexual harassment allegations, Pao alleges that the company passed her up for board seats, and promotions based on her gender, which caused her to lose income.
The firm, not surprisingly, denies the allegations.
It’s unusual for a company to fire an employee in the middle of the lawsuit because they make themselves vulnerable to further litigation, In this case, a sexual harassment attorney can assert that a dismissal is retaliation.
Gender discrimination, sexual harassment and retaliation are in direct violation of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and companies that engage in this behavior or fail to prevent their employees from engaging in this misconduct could be forced to compensate any employee who has been abused.
What Should You Do When Sexual Harassment Occurs At The Workplace?
October 2nd, 2012
Posted in Sexual Harassment News
If you have experienced any unwanted sexual conduct or verbal commentary at work, the first thing you need to do is talk to the perpetrator and let them know how you feel. Sometimes by speaking with the person, you might be able to get them to stop. However, if this doesn’t work, bring up the matter with a supervisor or human resources department. If that option were to fail, you can always seek legal help with a sexual harassment lawyer who will protect your rights and file a case on your behalf.
It is important to distinguish whether sexual harassment has occurred before taking any action. Sexual harassment can include several actions and can be anything from a mild, general lewd joke to a serious physical attack like rape. Regardless of the individual circumstances behind your sexual harassment incidents, it is important to know that you are not alone and you have a right to stop any incident that creates a hostile work environment. Turn to a leading sexual harassment attorney immediately to file a claim and make sure the assailant is brought to justice.
Sexual harassment lawyers do whatever it takes to ensure the harassers are held accountable for their crimes and will not rest until you obtain compensation for your pain and suffering, which could include thousands – if not millions – in money damages. You have a right to be safe from harm at work, and your lawyer will make sure of it.
Don’t be afraid to come forward with sexual harassment allegations because the longer you wait, the worse the harassment can get. Contact the offices of a leading team of sexual harassment attorneys today to file a claim and ensure that the unwanted sexual conduct ceases once and for all.
Ohio Police Chief Fired for Sexual Harassment
In January a female employee came forward with allegations that Kuvalia sexually harassed her after she returned from maternity leave. The woman, who worked as a department records clerk, said in a written statement comments about her “appearance and certain body parts,” according to WKBN 27.
She also stated that she asked Kuvalia to refrain from making inappropriate comments. Prior to formally filing her complaint, the woman was confronted by Kuvalia’s wife who found letters written by her husband that expressed feelings for the clerk.
Following that confrontation, the clerk brought the comments to the attention of City Manager Jack Haney. She said in her letter of complaint, “At this point I felt extremely uncomfortable and went to speak with Jack Haney with my concerns.”
A couple of days after the clerk came forward, a female officer also wrote a letter which corroborated her story about the comments and further stated Kuvalia threatened her if she discussed the alleged incident with anyone. The officer said the statements created a hostile work environment.
Haney discussed the matter with Kuvalia who admitted that he and the clerk communicated regularly through email, Google chat, and text messages and those correspondences included discussions about and their personal lives, WKBN 27.
Kuvalia in his formal response letter chose to invoke his Fifth and Fourteenth Amendment rights; according to the Fifth Amendment a person can chose to refuse to make statements that could incriminate them.
Kuvalia remained on the job while the investigation was being conducted.
This was not the first time Kuvalia faced sexual harassment allegations. According to WKBN 27, Kuvalia admitted to acting inappropriately towards a dispatcher when he worked as deputy police chief in Conneuat and was later fired.
After extensive discussions the Newton City Council decided to terminate Kuvalia’s contract “to protect the health, safety and welfare of the community.”
The attorney representing Kuvalia, Kimberley Kendall described the his firing as a “witch hunt” and said the city would either have to settle the allegations through arbitration or buy out his contract which is valid until September of 2014.
Kendall also raised concerns over the council’s decision because some members were too close to the accusing clerk.
She said, “Two of the council members are related to the complainant. The city manager’s secretary is the complainant’s mother, the city manager’s wife is a good friend of the complainant. In a good old boys network, where an allegation has been made with no basis, he’s been terminated.”
Allegations of sexual harassment on police forces are not that uncommon, this previously reported about two separate cases last December. All workplaces, whether they are public or private must take action and address allegations of sexual harassment seriously. If they fail to do so they take on a significant amount of liability and could be forced to make a large payout.