Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Virginia

Making a mountain out of a mole hill?

Last year at our company Christmas party, I was pressured to dance on a table by the CEO. After refusing, I was coerced into standing on a table and letting him take a picture, all in good, clean fun. There were about 10 employees left at the party by that time. It was not sexual in any way, whatsoever. This year, the CEO sent out an email to the entire company saying that this is the only time the employees will get to see me dance on a table. I was extremely offended and embarassed. I want to wear a bag over my head at work now. I received many, many emails from others in the company making crass remarks about my ''table dancing''. I don't know everyone in the entire company, and I feel like this gives a terrible impression of me to those who don't know me other than by name or by my face. Should I sue? Did I make a mistake last year by letting him take the photo? Do I have a case? Or am I just making a mountain out of a mole hill? I thik a CEO should have much better tact than that.


Asked on 11/15/04, 8:53 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Michael Hendrickson Law Office Michael E. Hendrickson

Re: Making a mountain out of a mole hill?

You, apparently, would not have a case under federal antidiscrimination law(sexual harassment)

as it is currently interpreted in the 4TH Circuit if the incident involving the emailing is a one time thing with no ensuing pattern of sexually harassing behaviour.

I believe, however, that a case for defamation might be a closer call if in fact you were damaged in your business relationsships and reputation by this gratuitous email from "The Boss". Of course, whether or not you would wish to bring suit against this person with the obvious possibly adverse consequences to your position with the company is another matter altogether.

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Answered on 11/19/04, 5:15 pm


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