Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Michigan

two female co-workers & friends, one inappropriate instance

I have two female employees who

are also good friends. One night at

work, one of them jokingly snapped a

picture up the other ones skirt. The

girl who had her picture taken was

not wearing an under garment. Two

fellow male co-workers were present

at the time. The girl who had her

picture taken feels humiliated and

left work because she was so upset

and embarrassed. The other three

co-workers feel that she was over

reacting to the situaton and feel that

because they are all good friends,

they did nothing wrong. The girl who

in my opinion was violated wants the

other to know that what they did

was wrong (and I agree). How should

I handle this situation


Asked on 3/08/08, 3:03 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys
William Morrison Action Defense Center

Re: two female co-workers & friends, one inappropriate instance

Two weeks upaid suspension to the camera operator.

Written warnings to the males only if they took no part in the act. If any of the three retaliate in any way, discharge.

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Answered on 3/08/08, 5:32 pm
William Stern William Stern, P.C.

Re: two female co-workers & friends, one inappropriate instance

First of all, everyone should lighten up. It is not sexual harrassment. It was just a joke that humiliated someone. Sexual harrassment in the Michigan courts is something like when someone is consistently propositioned when the advance is unwelcome or when there is an offer of employment if the other has sexual relations. This is just an unappreciated joke that happened to involve a private area. So don't worry about legal ramifications. As far as how to handle it, I'd explain to all involved that it is unfair to you to place you in a position where you are uncomfortable due to your supervisory position and that if they value everyone's relationship, don't participate in such conduct in the future. William S. Stern

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Answered on 3/08/08, 7:12 pm


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