Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Massachusetts

Am I legally bound by this law

I passed a note to a co-worker that was neither written nor read at the workplace. It did contain sentiments. This note was never a topic of discussion before or after given. After realizing what took place, I made a formal apology. All the while no physical or verbal advances had ever been made, and it didn't appear that we had a problem working together with the exception that the communication barrier was cut to a minimum. Now the co-worker is claiming sexual harrassment. My heart literaly stopped for the moment. Can this claim hold? I'm afraid of the outcome. This is like a bad dream.


Asked on 6/08/03, 5:12 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nance Lyons Law Office of Nance Lyons

Re: Am I legally bound by this law

Under the law, No. Your employer may have a different view however. The law requires the behavior to be sexually offensive, repeated to such an extent that it interferes with the co-worker's ability to do her job. Even if the language in the note would be extremely offensive to women, without touching, it should not amount to harassment. You should contact your employer's employee support service and outline the situation. Tell them you are more than willing to meet with HR and to apologize, which you have already done. If the matter is not resolved at this lever, consult an attorney.

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Answered on 6/09/03, 10:24 am


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