The first week of this month I took a much-needed technology free vacation. I was hiking and staying in national parks with spotty WiFi and was blissfully ignorant of current events.

When I logged back online, I saw that once again, sexual harassment was very much in the news, this time in politics. Regardless of your side of the aisle, the news was just plain disturbing. And this comes on the heels of recent revelations leading lawmakers in our state to unanimously pass legislation renaming Cesar Chavez Day on March 31st to Farmworkers Day. News reports involving minors (young girls) leading to that decision were simply heart-wrenching.

It seems that every couple of years post #metoo I write a blog post about ongoing harassment issues in the news. There was this one in September 2023 about common misconceptions in harassment claims, and this one from March 2021 appropriately titled Why Are We Still Talking About Sexual Harassment? Because People Are Still Acting Creepy, That’s Why.

Recent political stories, and related resignations, demonstrate that these issues continue; influential people often rise to power despite allegations of some pretty darn awful conduct.

Remember, sexual harassment is about power, and using that power in a way that makes others uncomfortable.  If only people could remember that if you don’t want to trigger a claim (or damage your career), then don’t do anything you wouldn’t want done to your child or to your parent.  It is as simple as that.

I look forward to the day when I don’t feel compelled to blog on this issue. Until then, California employers keep vigilant with your harassment prevention training, and your prompt and effective investigations (and corrective action) when issues arise.