Case Study One
An Accusation of Sexual Harassment in Pro Sports
1 Do you think Ms. Brown Sanders had the basis for a sexual harassment suit? -Yes
Why or why not?-Ms. Brown obviously felt that Mr. Thomas was being unprofessional with his repulsive behavior. Even though the case study does not give us a specific example to evaluate the situation, the text states the “the few women who do formally complain do so only after en countering frequent, sever sexual harassment; at that point, considerable damage may have already occurred.” On another note, what is sexual harassment to women may be seen as innocent behavior by men. So what Mr. Thomas was doing may not have been sexual harassment in his eyes but very well may have been in her eyes.

2 From what you know of this case, do you think the jury arrived at the correct decision? – By looking at the case it would seem that the jury arrived at the correct decision. If so, why? – Even though the jury had little confirmation that the witness claims of harassment were they also had little confirmation that her work was sub-par. This poses the question, Why was she let go? This gives an indication that maybe she was being sexually harassed and the garden wanted her to just go away so that is why the fired her for no reason.

4 Based on the few facts that you have, what steps, if any, could Garden Management have taken to protect themselves from liability in this matter? – They could have first investigated the issues to find out if it was such or not. They could have also moved Ms. Sanders to a different position where she did not have to interact with Mr. Thomas. Lastly, they should not have discharged her for bringing the issue to their attention.

5 “The allegations against the Madison Square Garden in this case raise ethical questions with regard to the employer’s actions.” Explain whether you agree or disagree with this statement, and why? – Yes, I agree that it definitely raises ethical questions. The reason is because the employer did not try to do anything to investigate or solve the problem. The one thing they did do they should not have done. They discharged the Ms. Sanders for so reason. This implies that they are accepting of this type of behavior.