Racial Discrimination Case

Case Summary: Gary Chapman-chief administrator, family man John Peters long time staff Cardiologist known for service distinction and Nurse Alana Anderson, a career oriented and highly devoted African American single woman were all working in the same teaching hospital. Peters complained to Chapman over the phone that Alana has personal attraction towards him and bombarding him with personal notes, Valentines cards and phone calls often to Peters home. Concerned about possible case of sexual harassment, hospital dignity, and professionalism, Chapman had a private conversation with Alana and requested her to stop showing her affection to the doctor and assumed that the issue was resolved. Alana resigned her jobs after several weeks and Chapman did not connect the reason for her action. Later, dismayed when he received a legal notice stating that Alana sued both hospital and Peters and Chapman personally for racial discrimination. Did Chapman handle the matter right? Is this a case of racial discrimination? What went wrong and what could have been done?

Based on the available case details I feel that Chapman made a mistake jumping into conclusion. He warned Alana merely based on Peters phone accusations instead of gathering further supportive evidence. Chapman did not follow up with Alana or Peters after the only conversation he had with them individually. Chapman missed to recognize the reason for Alana's resignation is linked with this incident, which would have given him a second chance to interrogate the matter and resolve it internally.

If I was in the place of Chapman, I will request Peters to meet me in person to discuss in detail due to the type of issue. I will inform Peters to bring some evidence as he seem to have retrievable evidence such as, personal notes, greetings and call logs, which would help me in investigating the matter. At this point, I will not assume, be judgmental or conclude an action. I will try to meet with Alana and hear her side of the story without accusing her and avoid any chance of commenting on gender, appearance, race or ethnicity in any such discussions. If Peters is unable to provide the evidence, then I will request him to save them the next time it happens.

As the case indicates that John Peters is being bothered by Alana's calls and personal affectionate cards to his home, which, not only will bother Peters, it might also intrude in his personal life and create problems in his relationship with his spouse. So, John Peters has a basis for sexual harassment if he can provide evidence to support his complaint. After collecting supportive evidence, I will send a memo to Alana and Peters for discussing this matter. I will also consider involving additional person from HR or authorized sexual harassment personnel to attend the meeting as a proof of the conversation. I will also consider forwarding the meeting recap to hospital attorney for review. That way, preventive or