Asked to resign my position, not sure what to do.?

Question

I work for a public organization and was asked to resign today because I have been accused of sexual harassment. Before beating me up(as can be the case on Y! Answers) please hear me out. I was asked a series of what I considered ridiculous questions pertaining to specific occurences that I either didn't do or have no recollection of even remotely doing except one off color joke. The accuser has also made off color jokes at time as well. I have no belief in the allegations and am confused by the accusers actions of not mentioning any concerns to me, continuing to have me as a Facebook friend, and encouraging me to apply for our supervisors position (I.e. her boss) during the timeframe. Why would someone I harassed want me as her supervisor? I was told if I resigned the matter would not be pursued but if I requested an employee hearing it would result in being public record and if found guilty by my boss, it would be public termination for sexual harassment. I offered my resignation because I don't want to risk being found guilty but am having second thoughts. Do I have legal recourse(I am not a suing type and don't have the money)? Will future employers find out about this incident or should I bring it up freely? I'm concerned about future consequences and wonder if I should rescind my resignation even though my supervisor has a history of being unwilling to change her opinions. I welcome any positive or constructive responses(sorry for the length) as I feel totally confused and lost.

Anonymous · Accepted Answer

A) I'd definitely consult an attorney....usually they will offer a free consultation. That will let you know what options you have. (Much better than asking us Yahoos.)

B) If you can't do A, then your real problem seem to be that you already resigned. You could ask to take it back...but as far as I know, your employer has no obligation to accept that.

Sexual harassment is really less about what you say, than about the EFFECT of what you say. To be punished for it, they have to be able to prove that you created a hostile work environment. Based on what you've given us that doesn't seem tobe the case.

I would definitely ask your previous employer how "public" the reasons for your resignation will be. It sounds like they intend to let the matter drop since you have resigned. But I'd make sure, since you will probably want to use them as a reference when looking for your next job.

I see know you reason for you to bring this up to other employers - UNLESS you think your previous employer will make it known. Then bringing it up allows you to explain your side of the story first "unjustly accused...no means to defend yourself...the unfair accusation made it hard to do your job effectively...so you resigned."

Hope that helps....but do call some lawyers and see about those free consultations.

Final bit....if this does end up in court, remember that online profiles and comment are admissible. You might want to change that pic.

Mutt · Answer

Allowing you to resign is a way you can "save face" by not having your reputation dragged through the mud. Even if the charges are dismissed and you are returned to your normal working status with the company, it is still public record that you were involved in a hearing, and that alone can make you look "guilty" in the public's eye. So by resigning, you can apply at other companies and not have this issue brought up.

Sans Deity · Answer

This is perfectly legal.  They're doing YOU a favor.  You can either voluntarily resign, or you can have this go public and if you lose, you'd get fired.  

Employers won't know WHY you resigned, but you'd still have to explain why you left your last job, since they'll ask.  It'd be up to you to give them a satisfactory answer.

? · Answer

Sounds like you need to consult an attorney.

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Asked to resign my position, not sure what to do.?

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