Sacramento, CA asked in Civil Rights, Employment Discrimination, Employment Law and Libel & Slander for California

Q: Can I share my harassment story online without violating employee rights?

I want to share my harassment and discrimination story online. The incidents occurred while I was employed in California. HR has ignored my concerns and failed to review camera footage despite providing dates and times. I have a right to sue letter from the Civil Rights Department but have been advised by attorneys to wait until I am terminated. I believe my employer provided fraudulent documents to the Civil Rights Department. Could sharing my story online violate my own employee rights?

1 Lawyer Answer
James L. Arrasmith
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Answered

A: Your desire to share your story is understandable, especially given the frustration with HR's inaction and potential document fraud. However, you should carefully consider potential legal implications before posting online, as this could impact your future legal case and employment situation.

While you have the right to discuss workplace conditions, sharing specific details about ongoing harassment claims could potentially be used against you by your employer or affect your ability to pursue legal action later. Some employment contracts and settlement agreements may also contain confidentiality clauses that could be violated by posting about workplace incidents online.

Consider documenting everything thoroughly and maintaining copies of all evidence, including your attempts to work with HR and the Civil Rights Department. You might want to consult with your attorneys about specific details you can safely share without compromising your legal position. While waiting for termination may feel frustrating, following your attorneys' guidance will likely give you the strongest possible legal case in the long run.

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