In an employment-at-will state such as Indiana, many workers can be fired for almost any reason. Nevertheless, there are limits and one thing employers are not permitted to do is to fire someone in a retaliatory fashion. For example, employer retaliation includes discharging someone who reported safety violations, or who refused to carry out an illegal action.
In Elkhart, a former employee of Cleveland Elementary School has claimed that her termination came as a response to her husband’s refusal of the school principal’s sexual advances. She has filed a lawsuit against Elkhart Community Schools as a result. According to the suit, the woman’s husband felt the need to extricate himself from the unwanted attention of the principal.
In July 2013, he left his job for a position at another school. In response, the suit alleges, the principal caused his wife to be fired from her position in the dietary department. Although the corporation denies the allegations put forth in the suit, the former employee seeks damages including humiliation, pain and suffering, emotional distress and loss of earnings.
Unfortunately, cases like this are all too common. Employees deserve respect and fair treatment, as well as the knowledge that they will not be coerced into situations that make them uncomfortable. Employers who fail to provide this must be held to account.
If you have been discharged from your job as the result of a retaliatory action, it may be time to fight back. An attorney can advise you on the steps you need to take in order to make a claim. He or she may also be able to assist you as you pursue justice and the remuneration you deserve.
Source: The Elkhart Truth, “Woman says Elkhart school fired her because husband declined principal’s sexual advances,” Jeff Parrott, Aug. 15, 2014
