| PASSING THE HOT POTATO TO SOMEONE ELSE |
| Bernice R. Sandler |
| Handling a sexual harassment complaint is difficult and requires both training and experience. What should you do if someone comes to you and describes behaviors which may be sexually harassing? |
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1. Show concern. “I’m sorry this is happening to you.” | |
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2. Take the report seriously. Don’t use “dangerous words” such as | |
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I know he didn’t mean it. |
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You have to understand, he is from a different culture. |
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He hugs everyone. |
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Boys will be boys. |
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You ought to be able to deal with this yourself. |
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3. Tell the person that the institution has a policy. We have a policy to deal with this kind of problem. | |
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4. PASS THE HOT POTATO TO SOMEONE ELSE. Know who the person is who handles sexual harassment complaints. I’m not the best person to talk to about this. Mary Smith has lots of experience with this and has helped a lot of people like you. Let me call her right now and see when she can see you. I'l go with you to her office if you want me to go with you. | |
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5. Provide for follow up. If she doesn’t work it out, get back to me and we’ll figure out what to do next. | |
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6. Follow up -- call and find out if the harassment has actually stopped. | |
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7. Keep a written record of the meeting. | |
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8. Report it if necessary. | |
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| Bernice R. Sandler, Senior Scholar in Residence at the Women's Research and Education Institute, consults extensively with institutions and others about women's equity, including sexual harassment, discrimination, and the chilly climate. She has given over 2000 presentations, written many articles, and serves as an expert witness in discrimination cases. Sandler can be contacted at: |
| Bernice R. Sandler |
| Senior Scholar, Women's Research and Education Institute |
| 1350 Connecticut Avenue, Suite 850, Washington, DC 20036 |
| Phone: 202 833 3331 Fax: 202 785 5605 |
| E-mail: sandler@bernicesandler.com |
| Website: bernicesandler.com |