Legal Question in Discrimination Law in Maryland

I was involved in a harassment situation during a conference. I am an employee and a vendor said some derogatory things based upon my sexuality. I am gay. There was a group of people who were going to a gay bar, they wanted me to go and after several declines, the vendor said something derogatory and rude. This was then followed by a coworker of mine getting involved in the situation. I quickly discouraged him and he continued. These exchanges were seen by other coworkers and people attending the conference. The situation was talked about the next day with several board of directors, staff (including senior level staff) and people attending the conference.

I was encouraged by a senior level staff to NOT take this situation to Human Resources and was talked to by the CEO (who is my boss). He is also gay and told me that "this sort of thing happens and we as gay men have got to ignore it." I was again instructed not to speak to HR that both the employee and vendor would be dealt with. This was two months ago and nothing has been done. HR is now aware of the situation and feel their hands are tied. The CEO has done nothing with anyone involved and the situation has gone away. I feel that I have been lied to and that they are allowing this behavior to go on. Since the situation, I have been asked about it by outsiders and board members who witnessed the situation.

Do I have a case? I do not feel harassed, however, I feel that they are allowing this behavior as a norm and allowing it to happen again.

1 Answer from Attorneys

Related Questions & Answers

More Other Discrimination Law (Age, Race, Sex, Gender) questions and answers in Maryland

Looking for something else?