“Me Too” Hits California Politicians

The state of California has made great strides in working to curb sexual harassment in the workplace. As high-profile allegations of sexual harassment have rocked Hollywood and top corporate offices, the country has watched the culture of male-dominated industries slowly start to change. Often, it seems like you cannot turn on the news without seeing a new case of someone falling from grace, their wrong deeds exposed.

But what happens with it is the California Legislature workers themselves who are the ones accused of wrongdoing?

The state Senate is fighting back against a former employee who alleges that the Senate broke multiple laws by firing her months ago.

Why does she say she was fired?

For reporting that she was raped by a fellow staff member.

Not Us

The person who was fired has now brought a lawsuit against the Senate and they are going to have to walk a careful line. The legislative body has worked hard to respond to the “Me Too” movement appropriately, but this case could show how our politicians really feel about it.

The message that the Senate is sending in response to these allegations is one of defiance. They have asked the court to throw out many of the allegations.

“The Legislature really needs to stop taking the position that the law doesn’t apply to them. It’s offensive,” said Micha Star Liberty, the lawyer for the employee who is suing the Senate.

At Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers, we do not think anyone has the right to ignore laws. Sexual harassment in the workplace has been a problem for so long precisely because of what is happening to this woman who was fired by the Senate. She was raped and she reported it.

And she was fired. Her story was dismissed.

This is how the culture continues, but our elected officials should not be the ones who perpetuate it.

We know how much damage workplace sexual harassment can do to you, both physically and emotionally. Often, people put up with it because they have no other job options. They are working paycheck to paycheck and can hardly even miss one day of work.

So many people, from minimum wage employees to mid-level managers and more think they have to accept this treatment. Not anymore.

What You Can Do

The state Senate has made a mistake and it is likely they will be exposed because of it. It is becoming harder and harder to sweep rape and sexual assault under the rug. If you need a sexual harassment attorney in Pasadena, you can count on Rager & Yoon – Employment Lawyers to be by your side. We think that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and dignity. When harassment is reported to superiors, it should be taken seriously. We will help make sure you are treated fairly if you need to report harassment. You can contact us for a free consultation by clicking here or calling us at 310-527-6994.