Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in New York

Good Morning.

I have two quick questions. I work in healthcare in Buffalo, NY in an outpatient clinic as the Director. I am white and the majority of staff, approx. 80% of both workers and patients are African American. I am being told that I have a "black body" and "black booty" and the comments made by the men who work here are distrubing to me. The patients come into the facility cursing swearing and threatening the staff and myself that they want their pain medicaitons and I am honestly scared but need the job right now....

One other quick question, the organization held an open house yesterday for the media, to which I refused to sign a media release and found myself on Channel 4 news yesterday in a video they taped while they were here, is that legal?

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it. I would call someone local but am not sure where this type of action would fall.


Asked on 2/19/10, 6:13 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Locksley Wade Law Office of Locksley O. Wade

You should file a formal complaint in writing (letter, memo, complaint form) to the head of your organization detailing the events that can lead to your making a claim of a sexually hostile working environment. If no remedial measures are implemented then you may have a remedy at law depending on the facts of your case.

As to you second question, it appears that it was advertised as a public event and a one time appearance on a television news broadcast does not give rise to legal claim.

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Answered on 2/24/10, 6:34 am


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