Welcome to Texas Business Matters! Today we talk about another commonly-held myth that prevents employers from acting on a credible claim of sexual harassment—specifically, that of the “Superstar” harasser. The “Superstar” harasser is an employee believed to be too valuable to terminate. Think … [Read more...] about The Myth of the “Superstar” Harasser: What Employers Fail to Understand
Sexual Harassment
Counting Employees under Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA: Do Part-Time Employees Count?
Earlier this month, I spoke to the Travis County Women Lawyers Association on employment law. One of the audience members asked a good question, which is: for an employer to be subject to Title VII, it has to have at least 15 employees. Do part-time employees count? Answer: liability under Title … [Read more...] about Counting Employees under Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA: Do Part-Time Employees Count?
Sexual Harassment 101 for Texas Employers: When Can a Volunteer Sue?
I had a great time speaking to the Manor Chamber of Commerce last week on sexual harassment. One of the members asked a good question, which is: do the laws governing sexual harassment apply to volunteers? Generally, the answer is no. Title VII and the Texas Commission on Human Rights Act (TCHRA), … [Read more...] about Sexual Harassment 101 for Texas Employers: When Can a Volunteer Sue?
The Dangers of Sexual Stereotyping
This week, referring to his favorite object, my iPhone, my two and a half year old proclaimed: “I’m going to charge it like a man.” What? Who taught him the phrase “like a man”? What does he think it means? I asked him these questions, and he just beamed at me, inscrutable. I investigated further. … [Read more...] about The Dangers of Sexual Stereotyping
No-Ho-Ho: Managing Risk from Holiday Party Is No Laughing Matter
Ah, the company holiday party. Some employees live for them, others dread them. Most would agree that memorable things happen at them, including some things we would rather forget. Holiday party–related activities that have resulted in a lawsuit against a Texas employer include: • A skit … [Read more...] about No-Ho-Ho: Managing Risk from Holiday Party Is No Laughing Matter