In a shocking case that highlights workplace harassment, a woman has successfully won an $850,000 lawsuit against a university for the appalling treatment she faced during her internship while pregnant. This incident occurred at Wayne State University, where the intern, Sarah Johnson, was involved in a project with the Salvation Army during her final semester.
According to reports from local news outlets, Johnson’s experience was riddled with inappropriate comments and questions from her internship supervisors. Her attorney, Lisa Carter, revealed that she was asked baffling questions like, “Where’s your wedding ring?” and faced bizarre statements including, “The men here can look but they can’t touch,” along with instructions like, “Don’t show your pregnancy.”
Johnson was repeatedly warned—both verbally and in writing—against touching her own belly, as it was believed it might sexually stimulate the men in treatment for addiction. “They told her not to rub her belly because it could excite them,” Carter stated. When Johnson filed a complaint regarding this harassment, the university held a meeting that concluded with administrators suggesting she wear looser clothing.
Unbelievable, right? While we often hear about the saying, “never rub a pregnant woman’s belly,” it’s astonishing to learn that she was discouraged from even touching her own. After filing the complaint, Johnson received a failing grade in her internship, which ultimately jeopardized her entire career. “They disregarded her complaints and supported those responsible for the harassment,” her lawyer lamented.
The outcome of this lawsuit serves as a vital reminder of the importance of believing and supporting women who share their experiences of discrimination. It’s essential that institutions implement comprehensive anti-harassment training to prevent such behavior from occurring in any professional environment.
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Summary
A pregnant intern at Wayne State University won $850,000 after facing harassment during her internship. She received inappropriate comments and was warned against touching her own belly, which was deemed to potentially excite men in treatment. The case emphasizes the need for better anti-harassment training and support for women facing discrimination.