Straight manager at gay company "misunderstood" harassment - what should we do? 11-03-2005

We had an office party last week and one of our managers, who is straight, is now claiming that our regional manager, who is gay, sexually harassed him in some way which has yet to be determined. The event was held off-site, 95% of the company employees are gay, it is believed that the 'harassment' was in fact just a misunderstanding. What are both managers' rights and how does the company, which is primarily gay, protect itself from further situations like this?

Rita Risser replies:

The fact that the company is 95% gay is irrelevant. In fact, 95% of companies when faced with a claim of harassment have the same response - "it was a misunderstanding." Both managers have the right to have an independent investigation, conducted by someone who is knowledgeable about the law of harassment. In addition, the company should have an anti-harassment policy and training program.

Good luck!

Information here is correct at the time it is posted. Case decisions cited here may be reversed. Please do not rely on this information without consulting an attorney first.