Tulsa’s newly appointed interim chief medical examiner, Dr. Andrew Sibley, faces sexual harassment charges for his behavior around a female employee. The Tulsa Medical Examiner employee alleges that Sibley routinely had “pornography up on the morgue computer” among other things. This type action is considered sexual harassment in Oklahoma, and citizens charged with this type of crime need the services of experienced Oklahoma City criminal defense attorneys.
SEXUAL HARASSMENT CHARGES IN OK
The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) defines sexual harassment as “the unwanted sexual and/or repeated unpleasant, degrading and/or sexist remarks directed toward an employee with the implied suggestion that the victim’s employment status, promotion or favorable treatment depend upon a positive response and/or cooperation.”
Sexual harassment is often associated with inappropriate verbal or physical contact, such as sexual advances or requests for sexual favors. Sexual harassment in the workplace also occurs when a hostile and intimidating work environment is created in any way by these comments or actions. In Dr. Sibley’s case, the female employee is alleging that because of Sibley’s actions, a hostile work environment was created.
Sexual harassment occurs in several ways. The harasser does not have to be the victim’s supervisor. He or she may be an agent of the employer, a co-worker, or a non-employee who interferes in the workplace. The aggressor as well as the victim can be of either sex. Although the victim of sexual harassment does not necessarily have to be the person being harassed, he or she must be affected by the unwelcome, offensive conduct.
The EEOC looks at the totality of the circumstances surrounding any allegations of sexual harassment. It looks to the nature of the sexual advances as well as the context in which the alleged incidents occurred. No two sexual harassment cases are identical and are therefore judged on a case-by-case basis.
HOW AN OKLAHOMA CITY HARASSMENT DEFENSE LAWYER CAN HELP
If, like Dr. Andrew Sibley, you have been charged with sexual harassment in Oklahoma, you will need an experienced OK Criminal Defense Attorney. The Criminal Defense Attorneys at AMA Law may be able to help you if you have been charged with sexual harassment. Contact us today.