Department Head Accused of 3-Month Coercion, Threatening He Couldn’t Protect Employee
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Jun 7
Department Head Accused of 3-Month Coercion, Threatening He Couldn’t Protect Employee
1 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Jun 7
Summary
A worker said a department head spent months pushing past professional boundaries, complaining she socialized with colleagues but not him and disclosing problems in his home life after she rejected greater intimacy.
The conduct escalated when she considered another internal role: he told her he “couldn’t protect” her, then during a late-night conversation said he was tired of “walking on eggshells” and wanted to quit.
The advice columnist said the pattern amounted in practical terms to sexual harassment — a hostile environment plus an implied quid pro quo threat — and urged the employee to consult an employment lawyer.
The guidance was to enforce strict boundaries, keep conversations public or documented in email and text, avoid after-hours exchanges, and be prepared to involve HR or pursue outside legal options.