AboutJohn Fuller Expertise I can answer nearly every question pertaining to prevention of sexual harassment, definitions of sexual harassment, workplace harassment inside and outside of the workplace, quid pro quo harassment, hostile working environment, reporting procedures and responsibilities, how to recognize and respond/report to sexually based inappropriate comments.
Experience Diversity, EEO Officer and Investigator for Johns Hopkins Hospital
EEO Compliance Manager for Fortune 300 Corporation
Deputy Director for Equal Opportunity for Department of Defense Equal Opportunity Management Institute
Organizations Board of Directors, National Council for Support of Disability Issues
Board of Directors, Institute for MultiTrack Diplomacy
Publications Guest expert on over 45 radio stations nationwide discussing the subject "Hot Buttons in the Workplace; sexual harassment" Do you know the limitations?
Education/Credentials Doctor of Education
Master of Science in Leadership & Business Ethics
Master of Arts in Educaiton
Florida and Virginia Supreme Court Certified Mediator
Department of Defense Certified Mediator
EEOC Certified Investigator
Expert: John Fuller Date: 6/27/2008 Subject: sexual harrassement
Question we mutually agreed to have sex at a place different from work. Now she is blackmailing me of seeking sexual favors. Can it come under sexual harrassement
Answer Curry,
If the blackmail involves your work and or conditions of employment, yes. Workplace romances are very sensitive subjects and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act which prevents sexual harassment extends to behavior that is outside of the workplace. What you have not mentioned is whether the person is in a position of authority over you at the workplace or if you are the supervisor. If you are the supervisor and are being accused, I would immediately go to your Human Resources department or EEO Officer and explain the situation. What they will look for is if there has been any change in the conditions of employment for either one of you. For example, if either one of you are the other one's supervisor, have either one of you taken any action that would affect employment, i.e., transfer, demotion, discipline, etc. I am not sure what you mean by "blackmailing." If you would like to expand upon that with me and let me know if the person has filed a sexual harassment charge, I can answer your question further.
