ALLSTATE INSURANCE UPDATE

[MARY ANN HETREED <hetreedjhmr@msn.com>]

SEE "ALLSTATE INSURANCE RETALIATES" FOR BACKGROUND

On July 10, 1997, Allstate Insurance Company's former Vice President of Audit and 
Investor Relations was deposed in connection with my sexual harassment lawsuit 
against Allstate Insurance Company, Northbrook, Illinois.  At his deposition,  
HE ADMITTED TO THE FOUR YEAR SEXUAL RELATIONSHIP AT ISSUE IN THIS CASE.  
Allstate also acknowledges that he had responsibility for approving my raises, 
promotions, and bonuses.  

Throughout my ten years with Allstate, I had objected to my managers about 
the hostile work environment that existed in the Audit Department.  I had 
discussed the discrimination I saw in the department with human resources, 
only to be told, "Lets not make an issue of this. YOU'RE breaking through the 
glass ceiling nicely.  Obviously somebody is taking care of you."

The Vice President retired in May 1995, but continued to call me at 
work and demand sexual activity.  In September 1995 I filed formal 
charges with Allstate's Corporate Security Department.  I thought the worst
 of the situation was behind me and Allstate would live up to the commitments 
its executives have made to all employees, both verbally and in writing. 
 Some of those commitments are:

         Promote an environment that is inclusive and free from bias.
         Foster dignity and respect in all interactions.
         Promote an environment that encourages open and constructive dialogue.
         Advise you on your performance through regular feedback.

The sexual harassment charges that I filed were true, well documented and THE 
HARASSER HAS NOW ADMITTED TO THE RELATIONSHIP.  Allstate conducted an 
investigation in 1995, but hides behind attorney-client privilege and refuses to release 
the results.  Instead of acknowledging the wrongdoing of one of their officers,
they chose to begin a pattern of retaliation against me that was relentless, 
deliberate and calculated to cause me the maximum professional, psychological, 
and financial damage.  

       A human resources employee spread confidential and false information about my claim 
and lawsuit within the company and to former employees.

       My responsibilities were drastically changed and many duties were reassigned
 to other managers.

       My supervisor, the Assistant Vice President of Auditing admitted under 
oath that he no longer talked to me as he had before my claim was filed.  He also 
stopped providing me with the performance feedback required by the company. 
 Instead he worked with the attorneys in their retaliation campaign against me.

       A man who had verbally sexually harassed me in 1994 was brought into Auditing 
in a newly created position to be my immediate supervisor, despite his lack of audit
 qualifications or credentials.

       I was passed over for promotion although my career plan indicated I had high 
potential and was qualified for two promotions by this year.  Two higher level 
positions were added to the Audit Department in 1996, after I filed my lawsuit. 
 One position went to the man who had previously harassed me.  
A peer of mine was promoted into the other position, although he had lower 
performance ratings, was not designated "high-potential," and was someone 
the former Vice President of Audit testified "should have been fired."

       Many other retaliatory actions occurred which culminated in my suspension 
and termination.

       I was escorted from the building with five minutes notice.  After 
many weeks, some of my personal belongings were sent to my home.  To this day, 
however, despite numerous requests by my attorney, Allstate has kept my personal 
collection of computer
 books and other professional materials.

The harassment and retaliation have resulted in my being diagnosed
 with post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, and irritable bowel 
syndrome.  My doctor provided reports and a letter describing the reasonable 
accommodations that I required in order to keep working.  Allstate ignored these requests. 
 They chose instead to intensify their retaliatory actions and aggravate my medical 
conditions, despite my manager's admission that I was visibly ill.

My advice to anyone trapped in a sexual harassment situation is to document, document,
 document.  Write down every incident with as much detail as possible.  Go to the library 
and educate yourself on your rights as an employee.   Become familiar with the employment
 policies of your company.

If I can help anyone, whether you are an individual suffering from sexual harassment,
 or a company that needs advice on how to prevent or detect sexual harassment, 
contact me by E-mail or fax at (847) 255-7760.