Working Wounded: Sexual Harassment

— -- D E A R R E A D E R: Sexual harassment is a serious issue that I’ve written about on a number of occasions. But the following e-mail made me realize there’s one aspect I hadn’t covered — what happens to people falsely accused? Tell me how you’d respond to the person who wrote the following e-mail and what you think of the issues he raises.

A R E A D E R W R I T E S: “A female co-worker lodged a charge of sexual harassment against me. My supervisor informed me that a formal investigation into the charge(s) would be commenced. Shocked by the allegation, I developed a deep sense of fear and overall sickness. I became so ill I had to seek medical assistance. I requested administrative leave and was summarily denied. “I was put through a five-month investigation in which all of my co-workers and colleagues were questioned about what each may have observed or heard. The findings of the investigation yielded no substantiation to the allegations. “Subsequently, I made a written request for reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act, a transfer from the worksite. Employer denied the request citing that ‘a good faith personnel action was taken.’ “After being released from treatment by my doctor, I was ordered to return to work at the very same job and worksite in the presence of my colleagues and the accuser. My physician had given me a medical preclusion from returning to the worksite since, in his opinion, the worksite is injurious to my health. I chose to follow my physician’s advice and not return to the worksite. I was then terminated from my employment because of ‘my failure to return to work after being directed to do so.’ “Because this matter involves a public employer and I have no money, I am unable to locate an attorney to assist me in putting things right. As a further insult, the employer is issuing to prospective employers references containing statements which have been both ambiguous and go beyond stated policy. These statements have made it virtually impossible for me to obtain employment for the last three years. “I realize that there is no room for sexual harassment in the workplace and the employer has an obligation to investigate all allegations or instances of sexual harassment. The accuser should be afforded all necessary protections, rights and remedies should the allegations be proven. However where are the rights of the falsely accused? As it stands, the accused are afforded no rights, even if it’s determined they’re innocent. Isn’t it time for policymakers to think this through and fix this problem for individuals who have experienced the hellishness I’ve been through? The mere allegation of sexual harassment can destroy careers, marriages and relationships with others. It can even leave you bankrupt and destitute.”

What advice would you give to this person? Do you think he raises a legitimate issue? What do you think should be done for someone in his position? I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

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Online Ballot and ContestHere are the results of a recent workingwounded.com/ABCNEWS.com online ballot: When you are asked a question at a job interview, how do you answer?

I’ll take the fifth,5.7 percent

The whole truth and nothing but, 33.5 percent

I don’t lie, but, 60.7 percent