Legal Question in Employment Law in Wyoming

Ostracizing. Is it allowed in the workplace?

Thanks! I am being ostracized and it is definitely causing hostility with me. It is an issue that relates to our agency suing another agency in which a good friend is accused of wrong doing. Because we are friends and apparently because some information was leaked out, I have effectively been shunned by the group by what is perceived as orders form the administrator of our agency. Our group was told to not communicate with the employees of the other agency. However this person is my best friend and I still remain friends with him to this day. I talk to him still although less frequently and tried very hard to limit talk between us about work. My friend may be up on some criminal charges soon. I have done nothing to partake in any criminal wrong doing.

Can my employer shut me out of the group and not include me in decisions at work even though she allows others to? Can she also ostracize me and not talk to me at work and allow people with less seniority to give me assignments so she doesn't have to communicate with me?

Thanks for any and all assistance!


Asked on 10/03/05, 10:00 am

2 Answers from Attorneys
Francisco Romero F.L. Romero Esq., P.C.

Re: Ostracizing. Is it allowed in the workplace?

Being "ostracized" isn't necessarily illegal unless based on an impermissible reason (like gender, race, religion, etc.) Being treated unfavorably after exercising a legal right is also illegal - known as retaliation - so for instance, if the pending lawsuit has required you to serve as witness or be somehow involved in that, the employer cannot subject you to adverse treatment because of your participation in the litigation. I don't know where you fit into that based on the facts you've provided. Also, who your employer is makes a difference - you said "agency" which to me implies goverment -and you list a Cheyenne zip (the state capitol). If a government agency is involved, you may have First Amendment rights being impacted (private industry doesn't have same restrictions). Perhaps more facts and I can be more specific.

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Answered on 10/03/05, 11:21 am
Thomas Lubnau Lubnau Law Office, P.C.

Re: Ostracizing. Is it allowed in the workplace?

Generally, an employer can take actions it deems necessary to protect the agency. If your friend has committed some wrongdoing, and your agency is, in some way, in charge of the investigation, your involvement can taint the whole process. So, given that scenario, it is perfectly appropriate to build a "chinese wall" around you.

You may have some additional rights, but based upon the facts you shared, I do not see a problem. If there are additional facts, you should consult with competent legal counsel and discuss them.

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Answered on 10/03/05, 11:35 am


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