If I’m a school counselor being harassed at work by the principal, what are my options?
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If I’m a school counselor being harassed at work by the principal, what are my options?
The principal came 3 years ago and stated she didn’t want anyone on the campus she didn’t hire. She then targets and bullies people she doesn’t want to leave. The other counselor and I are the last 2 people left in the office. After 22 years of great appraisals she has given me 2 reprimands in the past 5 months over something I said nothing about me not doing my job. I have reported her to the district as well as what I believe to be retaliation from me reporting her behavior to the district. I have been looking for a job but they are scarce this year. I would like to wait her because she said she was leaving after 3 years, however now she’s changed it to 5. The stress is unbearable. I’ve literally been yelled at and regularly accused of things didn’t do and accused of not being loyal.
Asked on July 6, 2017 under Employment Labor Law, Texas
Answers:
M.D., Member, California and New York Bar / FreeAdvice Contributing Attorney
Answered 6 years ago | Contributor
Legally actionable harassment in the workplace is disfavorable treatment based on an employee's race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, etc. Retaliation occurs when an employer punishes an employee for engaging in legally protected activity, such a reporting actionable harrassment. Unfortunately, in your case, your principal's unwelcomed conduct is not based on any of the above criteria; it is solely based on her wanting her own hires. Accordingly, unless her actions violate the terms of an employment contract or union agreement, they are legal and you have no cause of action.
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