Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Maryland

How much sexual playfullness should be allowed in the office?

I work for a small company and we are all pretty young. The president of the company however is very outgoing and we have on occasion become playfull in a sexually explicit manner in the office. For example he tells me I look delicious in the pants that I wear or he loves the way my sweater fits. I find myself usaully just brushing him off. In the past I have brought up to him that another gentlemen in the office offends me due to how he talks about women in a very explicit and poor fashion. It stopped for a little while but has started back up again. I work in a male dominated office and how do I stop what is going on when the President of the company is the ring leader? What should I do?


Asked on 1/17/01, 12:19 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Lawrence Holzman Holzman Law Firm, LLC

Re: How much sexual playfullness should be allowed in the office?

Sexual "playfullness" is not appropriate in the workplace. You should let the boss know that the lines have been crossed and that you are uncomfortable --- You should probably make a point to discuss the matter privately with the boss, then confirm the substance of your discussion in a letter.

Please feel free to call if you would like me to evaluate the details of your situation -- it may be that with more facts I can offer more specific advice.

Lawrence R. Holzman, Esquire

Joseph, Greenwald & Laake, P.A.

6404 Ivy Lane, Suite 400

Greenbelt, MD 20770

(301) 220-2200

fax (301) 220-1214

Disclaimer: Please note that the posting of this response is not intended to constitute legal advice. You should contact an attorney to obtain information applicable to your situation. This posting is not confidential or privileged and does not create an attorney/client relationship.

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Answered on 2/12/01, 5:21 pm


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