Schools are very sensitive to sexual harassment taking place among students. Many schools have improved policies in the last couple of decades relating to education about sexual harassment in school and taking remedial actions to investigate situations and discipline harassers.
However, sexual harassment against educational workers is not often acknowledged. Teachers/professors, administrators, school staff and other office workers face harassment from co-workers and supervisors. Reporting sexual harassment can be intimidating and uncertain. Many victims of sexual harassment fear losing jobs, titles, pay increases and opportunities in their careers.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment, you have rights. Call Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, at (510) 433-1000 to learn more about your legal options.
Should You File A Sexual Harassment Complaint?
If you have been sexually harassed in the workplace, at a work-related function outside of the office or by a co-worker outside of the office. It is best to consult an experienced employment law attorney about the most appropriate place to file a complaint.
- The first option is with your human resources department, but effective remedies are not always produced, and if your employer is responsible for the harassment, this might not be your best option.
- You can also file a claim with either the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH) or the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Either agency will investigate your claim and may issue you a right-to-sue letter.
Should You Sue?
At Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP, we help education workers throughout the state understand their rights and legal options. We can walk you through the legal process and help you take appropriate action.
Generally, if you have been offended, felt uncomfortable with or threatened by sexual harassment, you may be able to seek psychological, financial, career and punitive damages. Most types of sexual harassment create a hostile work environment, making it difficult to remain productive at work and stressful to keep your cool.
Do not allow yourself to be intimidated. You are not powerless.
Contact Winer, Burritt & Scott, LLP
We pursue all cases on a contingency fee basis, and we offer free initial consultations. Email or call us at (510) 433-1000 in Oakland or Los Angeles.
**We do not represent perpetrators of sexual harassment or those who are accused of sexually harassing behavior.