Letter: California lets harassers off hook

Wednesday, Dec. 15, 1999 | 9:26 a.m.

In a decision elevating judicial profundity to shallower depths than ever heretofore realized, the court has ruled that only the employer, not the perpetrator, may be held responsible in a civil action for sexual harassment in the workplace.

Of course the employer is going to be named as a defendant in any event; getting to the money is far more important than getting to the person who committed the offense.

But what's the rationale in letting the offender off the hook altogether?

Oh, of course. If the perpetrator isn't legally accountable, he (maybe even an occasional she) can't be fired or otherwise disciplined. Can't do that if there's no legal offense, can you?

Mustn't have employees suffering from hurt feelings or loss of self-esteem.

Watch the California Supremes for the next judicial "bull" affirming this logical extension of its most recent pronouncement.

C. H. MC CREA SR.

archive