Do you feel like the odd woman out at work? Are you one of the few female employees at the company, and do you often feel like the rest of your coworkers just do not take you seriously? If so, the company could be suffering from a “Boys’ Club” culture that is never...
Year: 2020
What actions make you eligible for whistleblower protections?
Whistleblowers have federal protection from retaliation by their employers. The company that you work for cannot penalize you for calling attention to illegal actions or inappropriate behavior. Understanding what circumstances might qualify you as a whistleblower can...
What should I do if a school accuses my child of cyberbullying?
It can come as a shock if the school accuses your child of bullying. When you meet with a representative at the school, they say your child has not hurt anyone physically. What they are accusing them of is cyberbullying. What is cyberbullying? Cyberbullying is the...
Atheists have protections from religious discrimination at work
As someone who lives and works in the United States, you have the right to have your religious preferences respected by others. The First Amendment gives you the right to believe what you want and to be free from social consequences for your religious beliefs and...
Can I take paid time off work if my child is ill?
Balancing work and family can be challenging, especially when a family member is sick. The U.S. is one of the few countries that does not give employees paid time off when they need to care for a family member. In Pennsylvania, you are entitled to 12 weeks of unpaid...
Was I a victim of sexual harassment at work?
When the MeToo Movement swept the United States in 2017, many were surprised to find out how rampant sexual harassment is in the workplace. Others realized that they had been victims of sexual harassment at one time or worked in a hostile workplace, where subtle forms...
What can professors do when their tenure is at stake?
At its best, tenure allows professors to speak freely and share controversial ideas without risking professional consequences. Yet, tenure does not shield them when they commit professional or criminal misconduct. Nor does it protect professors from the effects of...
What are my rights at work while I am pregnant?
Federal and Pennsylvania labor laws prohibit employers from discriminating against pregnant workers. You have a right to request a reasonable workplace accommodation and to remain employed without experiencing harassment or a threat of termination. According to the...
Have you experienced age discrimination as a teacher?
As an educator, you have a right to enjoy equal protection against discrimination. However, your employer recently terminated you, and you believe this was an example of discrimination based on age. Can you bring charges against the school district? Basic rights for...
3 subtle signs of workplace retaliation
Under most circumstances, Pennsylvania employers enjoy wide latitude to staff their enterprises as they see fit. Still, your employer may not violate federal or state employment laws. For example, a supervisor may not use your race, religion, national origin or sex as...