Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Texas
What do I do if my claim is against a District Judge?
I've worked for this man for 4 1/2 years. Once elected and in office he has been very hostile toward me and other women. He has always used very explicit, derogotory remarks to describe women (''that #*#* fat pig'' ''she's #*#*# stupid'' ''she's #*#* third rate'') Now if they are pretty and have a good body, he has a description for them as well. He no longer speaks to me other than to point his finger in the direction in which he wants me to walk. When he does speak to me he talks through his teeth (''just do it'' ''I don't want to hear what you have to say'' ''When I say NOW that means in my office NOW'' ''sit'' ''don't talk'') I've tried talking to him he says he doesn't want to hear it. He walks in the room and says hi to my Bailiff (a man), but won't acknowledge me even after I greet him. My court reporter feels the same. Our two female District Attorney's are being removed and replaced with men. There's more...too much to write. I've started keeping notes. I trust no one in town. I'm scared. Please help.
2 Answers from Attorneys
Re: What do I do if my claim is against a District Judge?
Speak with an attorney in your area. Before doing so you may want to look at www.eeoc.com and tchr.state.tx.us/ these are the websites for the EEOC and the Texas Commission on Human Rights. There is a possible violation of labor laws but you should speak with an attorney (someone you feel comfortable with)and keep documenting as much as you can. Even keeping a diary will be of help to your attorney. Make a list of other women treated the same, their titles, and some information regarding how they were treated. Make a note if women were treated different than men.
If you have any questions about finding a loval attorney, feel free to contact me as I may know of a few employment law attorneys in your area.
Re: What do I do if my claim is against a District Judge?
I agree with Mr. Copeland's reply. However, the correct email address to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission is http://eeoc.gov (EEOC.com is a commercial site designed to sell HR materials to employers).
You are protected against a gender motivated hostile work under Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act. A judge or any public officials would be subject to liability under Title VII just like any private employer. Suggestion: follow the personnel policy for filing a complaint of discrimination. You will be protected against retaliation.
As a public employee you are also protected under the First Amendment when:
1. you complain about the harassment and the judge�s inappropriate behavior;
2. the Judge�s reprisal against you is politically motivated by your support of a judicial candidate who had challenged the present judge.
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