Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Louisiana

Falsely accused of sexual harassment

I work ,well worked for a major

computer manufacture and retail

company. We make and sell

everything to phones, computers,

and music devices. I was asked to

speak to the store manager and I

was told that I have violated our

company's sexual harassment policy.

I was asked questions like had I ever

searched pornographic website at

work and I said no. I was given no

evidence or anything to state that I

had done anything. I was also not

given the option to speak to Human

Resources until after I was

terminated. The entire store jokes

about things but we all know when

to go back to work. Though our

company lets you hug its employees.

This to me would be sexual

harassment. Also we have praises for

other employees we put on a board

and it has things like (Persons Name)

for being so damn sexy. How is this

not sexual harassment. But I have

honestly not done anything, yet I am

being treated like I have. I am

wondering what my options are and

how to talk to Human Resources.

Any ideas on questions that I could

ask them and what my rights are?


Asked on 6/23/08, 8:13 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Adam Lambert The Law Office of Adam S. Lambert

Re: Falsely accused of sexual harassment

Ask HR what the charges are against you. All major companies will have some sexual harassment policy in place and that policy protects the rights of the accused just as it protects the rights of the accuser. Read the policy. It likely gives you the right to demand to know the precise charges against you. It may also give you the right to a grievance hearing or appeal of an adverse decision.

Even if you cannot prove your innocence to their satisfaction, you may have to fight them to keep your name clear. If they falsely state on your pink slip that you violated sexual harassment policy, you may have difficulty getting another job. While Louisiana is an employment at will state and there is not much in the law that will make them keep you at the job, they cannot defame you by stating false accusations. That is actionable in court.

Read more
Answered on 6/26/08, 4:41 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Civil Rights Law questions and answers in Louisiana