1. If possible, consult with an attorney. To see if you're eligible for free legal assistance, call the Fair Employment Project (617-390-2593) or the Legal Advocacy & Resource Center (617-603-1700). To find a private attorney, call the Boston Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (617-742-0625) or the Massachusetts Bar Association Lawyer Referral Service (866-MASS-LRS). If you are a union member, you should also consult with your union.
2. If you think you're being harassed based on your race/color, national origin, age (over 40), sex, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or because you have complained about unfair treatment, you need to consider whether to file a complaint with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD). If you fail to file a complaint at the MCAD within 300 days of any harassment, you might lose the right to take further legal action.
3. You need to decide whether to report the harassment to a supervisor or human resources official. If you don't report the harassment, the company might not know what's going on and won't be able to take corrective action. Also, if the company doesn't know about the harassment, it might not be legally responsible.
4. Do not give your employer an excuse to take disciplinary action against you. Follow all workplace rules and policies, and act reasonably.
5. Keep a diary of significant events.
6. If the harassment is causing medical or emotional problems, seek medical attention.
Fair Employment Project, Inc. | 122 Boylston Street | Jamaica Plain, MA 02130 | 617.390.2593 | info@fairemploymentproject.org