Army Audit Sexual Harassment

["Linda K. Cela" <lkcela@juno.com>]

I am in the middle of a nightmare and can't wake up.  It began in June 1993, when my newly assigned supervisor started pressuring me for sex, touching, and kissing in exchange for job benefits.  He threatened to have me removed from the job and give bad reports to management about my work.  I endured this for five months, until his threats turned to suicide and bringing a gun to work.  I could take no more and reluctently reported my problem to management.  This was the worst thing I could have done.

Management insisted that I was lying, gave me a letter of reprimand which was a warning that I could lose my job, assigned me to a job in DC, away from my family for a year.  I was an outcast, no one would associate with me.  While I was in DC, four other co-workers were assigned there.  The agency allowed the other employees to return home every week-end, but would not allow me.  It got worse--  I had two weeks of leave scheduled at Christmas, but management cancelled it and made me work away from home.  

In 1994, my case went to an Administrative Law Judge. The judge came down hard on the agency, stated that the harasser was a liar and could not tell the same story twice. He also found that the agency did not perform an adequate investigation, altered evidence, covered up facts and distorted the truth. The judge ruled in my favor and awarded me attorney fees, medical expenses, leave reimbursement and to remove the letter of reprimand.  He also ordered the agency to post a notice that sexual harassment occured and information on what to do if it happens again.  However, the agency decided not to follow the judges ruling and do nothing.

On 22 June 1998, my case finally got to federal court. The harasser admitted that he perjuried himself in other hearings, but failed to tell the truth at this one. The jury found I was a victim of hostile work environment, but did not award me any damages.  My attorney requested I be granted attorney fees and reimbursement of 900 hours of sick and annaul leave I used, because of the sexual harassment.

On 8 September 1998, the judge denied my request and ordered that I pay for the Army's trial expenses.  I am in the process of finding another attorney and appeal this injustice.  At this point I don't know what else could go wrong.  I want people to know that even if you are a victim of sexual harassment in the government, you have no rights.  So far I have spent over $40,000 of my money to defend myself, and the Army is fighting me with my tax dollars.