TV Host John Oliver on Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

The host of “Last Week Tonight”, John Oliver, devoted an episode to the ever-growing topic of sexual harassment in the workplace. The episode featured Anita Hill, who was sexually harassed by Clarence Thomas in 1991, while working for him as her supervisor at the Department of Education and the EEOC. When questioned during her hearing, it seemed as though everyone blamed her for “letting” this harassment take place. Oliver emphasized that blaming women for harassment is flawed, but happens by human resource directors and any jury more often than one would like.

John Oliver further discusses how most women often don’t report sexual harassment to human resources because, in reality, human resources’ job is to protect the company, rather than the employee. Unfortunately, most of the time they’re not helpful and fail to keep their employees’ interest in mind. The two go on to explain that it is critical for employers to share all the needed information with their employees on harassment. Hill goes on to say, “We need to inform people—this is what happens if you file a complaint, here are the things that you will do, here are the questions that you will face, here is the process.”

Oliver asks Hill what is needed from men to end sexual harassment in the workplace. Hill explained that men needed to step up and “realize that at this point in time, there are no innocent bystanders, if you are aware of something you acknowledge it, you know it’s wrong, but you don’t do anything about it, then it’s the same as if you participate in it.” Not only does Hill point out that if you see something that seems wrong that you need to say something, but she also suggests, “We also need bystander training. I think some people are still saying, ‘I don’t know what to do [if I see sexual harassment].’”

The message they both emphasized was the need for change in the workplace, such as more training and knowledge about harassment with employees so they are comfortable reporting an incident and know there is a support system behind them. Currently, women are demeaned and their character is questioned when they accuse someone of sexual harassment, but this culture needs to evolve and change. Hill closes the interview by saying she feels more optimistic that sexual harassment allegations will be taken seriously as more and more workplace harassment victims are emerging. Hill furthers emphasis her main theme and pleads with the public – “If we do nothing, then change is not going to come.”

Harassment Lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. Help Victims of Workplace Harassment Claim Justice

If you or someone you know is being harassed in the workplace don’t be afraid to say something, the compassionate and experienced team of Cherry Hill harassment lawyers at McOmber McOmber & Luber, P.C. can help you hold the employer liable for their actions.

Call us in Marlton at 856-985-9800, Newark at 973-878-9040, Red Bank at 732-842-6500, or contact us online to schedule a free consultation today. Our offices serve clients in Camden County, Burlington County, Monmouth County, Middlesex County, and Ocean County.