Resources for Resisting Discrimination at Work

NOW-NYC offers an Employment Discrimination Legal Clinic the third Wednesday of every month.

Information will be provided about a) the right to be free from discrimination and harassment; b) how to determine what to do if you are being discriminated or harassed, c) what options you have if you are being discriminated or harassed d) what potential remedies you have if you are being discriminated or harassed; e) how to collect evidence if you are being discriminated or harassed; f) what you can do to maximize your rights and remedies if you are being discriminated or harassed. The clinic format allows for a question & answer period, following the preliminary seminar.

Registration is required. Call (212) 627-9895. A $15 donation is requested. No one is turned away because of inability to pay.

Confront Your Harasser by Writing a Letter

    Writing a letter to the harasser can be an effective way of dealing with the problem of sexual harassment. If the letter does not work, it will at least provide you with an important piece of evidence should you decide to take legal action.

    This method has the advantage of avoiding formal charges and public confrontation. It costs little, and may even give the harasser a new perspective on his behavior.

    Most importantly, it works! The recipient of such a letter will rarely write back, or respond verbally. Most often the result is cessation of the sexual harassment.

    Make sure to deliver the letter either in person, or by registered or certified mail. If necessary, a security guard, plainclothes police officer, or other protector/witness can accompany you or be present if the letter is being delivered. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself.

    The letter is designed to be detailed, polite, and low-key. Several drafts may be necessary because most likely, you are angry and upset. There are three parts to the letter:

1.    Objectively stating the facts: Without making value judgments, be as detailed as possible. Include dates, places, and a description of the incidents experienced. For example: “On February 5, 1987, at 3:00 pm at the office party, you told me that if I did not sleep with you my job would be in jeopardy.”

2.    Your feelings about the events described in Part 1: include how you feel, and your opinions or thoughts about what occurred. For example: “My stomach turns to knots when I see you and it is difficult for me to concentrate on my work. You have made me think about quitting my job.”

3.    Explain what you want to happen next. For example: “I want out relationship to be businesslike and purely professional from now on.”—“I don’t ever want you to touch me, or make remarks about my sexuality.” If there has been a possible misunderstanding, you might want to acknowledge this in the letter: “Though at one time we were dating, it is important for me now to re-establish a purely professional relationship, and I request that you do so also.”

Writing a letter like this can help you regain a sense of control over the situation.

This method should not be thought of as a substitute for effective grievance procedures and policies. However, it can be quite effective in situations where no formal procedures have been established.

Adapted from an idea of labor economist Mary Rowe. See her article, “Dealing With Sexual Harassment,” which appeared in the May-June 1981 issue of the Harvard Business Review.