University Worker Alleges Religious Harassment as HR Cites 1 Pending Lawsuit for Inaction
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Oct 25
University Worker Alleges Religious Harassment as HR Cites 1 Pending Lawsuit for Inaction
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Oct 25
Summary
A university employee says a co-worker mocked her Buddhist faith, posted a sign reading “the cult,” and kept up taunting behavior at adjacent desks.
HR told the employee it could not act against the co-worker because she already has a pending lawsuit against the university and discipline could appear retaliatory.
The advice column says that rationale does not relieve the university of its Title VII duties and that documented religion-based harassment could support a formal complaint.
It urges the employee to escalate in writing to management, copy HR, and if needed involve the university’s equal-opportunity office or an employment lawyer to force action.