Election Employee accused of Sexual Harassment Policy Violation
Ohio – Michael Collier, former board of elections specialist, was terminated a month ago for allegedly violating the workplace sexual harassment policy. Collier’s sexual harassment violations developed a hostile work environment, which caused males and females to often feel insulted and intimidated at work.
Sexual harassment endured by the opposite sexual is commonly reported to the federal agency, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Same sex sexual harassment, especially for men, seems to be immeasurable considering most men prefer not face workplace retaliation, or engage in the negativity at work that comes with filing a sexual harassment claim.
Clark County Job and Family Services investigated the sexual harassment and confirmed that Collier was at fault in regards to the sexual harassment violations. The 18-page report disclosed that Collier’s misconduct involved his “sexual nature.” According to the findings in the sexual harassment report, a part of the sexual harassment violation consisted of conversing with a co-worker about another co-worker’s breastfeeding. Collier allegedly had an issue with the amount of breastfeeding his co-worker engaged in.
Although Collier’s supervisor addressed him as well as other employees related to issue, Collier still examined his co-worker’s breastfeeding. In addition to monitoring the breastfeeding, Collier joked about “a lactating cow and large breasts.” Inappropriate remarks tend to alter the comfort level at work. Collier was also accused of manipulating other employees. Employees must work together as a team for the greater good of the company. The report explains Collier was not a team player.
Collier worked at the board of elections for over eight years, and he claims he was a team player. Collier denied the sexual harassment allegation brought against him by his previous employer. As a result of the findings in the sexual harassment investigation, the board terminated Collier. Currently, a sexual harassment lawsuit or wrongful termination lawsuit hasn’t been filed. Both Collier and the Clark County Board of Elections have refrained from commenting on the outcome of Collier’s termination.
How to handle Sexual Harassment at Work
Sexual harassment is not the easiest experience to survive in the workplace. The limits of sexual harassment are endless. It can consist of something mild such as a joke, one too many pricey gifts, or something extreme such unwanted physical contact or criminal sexual conduct. Regardless of one’s predicament, it’s important to know how to handle workplace sexual harassment.
It is highly recommended that individuals who experience sexual harassment at work document the incidents including the date, time, and specific details of the incident for a personal record. In addition to the personal record, an official sexual harassment claim should be filed immediately with the Human Resources division of your workplace. A sexual harassment investigation should be completed according to the sexual harassment guidelines and the federal and state laws.
In the meantime, do some personal research regarding the laws that protect employees from sexual harassment. In the event that the HR department does not follow protocol, you should seek legal guidance from a sexual harassment lawyer as soon as possible. A sexual harassment lawyer will be able to help you sort through your timeline of sexual harassment, and file a sexual harassment lawsuit on your behalf.
Sexual Harassment Lawyer
If you have ever been a victim of workplace sexual harassment in New York, New Jersey or Philadelphia, contact the New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia sexual harassment lawyers at the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC. Our sexual harassment lawyers are knowledgeable and passionate about the law and dedicated to delivering excellent legal representation to all of our clients.
