Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Kansas

Sexual Harassment / Hostile work environment Who can help?

I work for a city police deppt. Newly employed at this agency but have been on the job for over 9 years. Since employment I have been witness to many comments of lewd nature, photographs of officers depicting sexual positions posted on the board (digital pics printed out and persons cut out of paper then placed into positions along with comments and graphics, indecent talk of sexual toys etc...., this ocurring in the squad room and hallways of the police dept building. I informed my supervisor after one incident that i was a religous mand family man and did not appreciate the ''humor'' and did not want to be involved in these issues. Recently two supervisors (one being mine) were speaking of a police fighting technique and one sgt. with the other's knowledge, placed me into a full nelson and simulated sexual activity. This ocurred infornt of a group of officers. Is there a case for sexual harassment? What can be done? Where do you go for advice?


Asked on 9/08/03, 4:11 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Shultz Law Firm of Michael M. Shultz, P.A.

Re: Sexual Harassment / Hostile work environment Who can help?

You sound in a tough situation. Normally, sexual harassment is conducted by one sex against the other, i.e, men harassing women or women harassing men. There are situations where there can be same sex discrimination/harassment, e.g., men only harass other men who are newly hired and do not harass women who are newly hired. The facts you give are difficult since it is questionable whether the idea of same sex harassment would apply to the display of pornography and other lewd behavior. It is sure worth pursuing. In addition, if you have complained and have been subject to harassment, that by itself might be unlawful. Finally, if you have made your religious views known and the sexual conduct has continued, then you might have a claim for failure to accommodate your religious views--federal law requires that an employer accommodate an employee's religious views unless it creates a hardship. The best place to take your concerns is to the Kansas Human Rights Commission. They have a website! Also, if you have an actual legal situation and want to fully understand your rights, you should consult a competent attorney. The information provided at this site is for educational purposes and is not intended to create an attorney client relationship. Please feel free to give me a toll free call at 1-866-385-6244.

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Answered on 9/08/03, 5:28 pm


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