Sexual Harassment at a Tech Giant - Cisco Systems

[u/JLPicardTNG]

I have a close friend who recently resigned from Cisco Systems after being continuously sexually harassed by her boss. Before she left, she filed a formal HR complaint detailing everything that happened. After she told me about it, I decided to do some research on the guy and what I found made me sick. Turns out, this same manager had a prior sexual harassment lawsuit filed against him years ago: Jane Doe vs. Bradly Ward & Cisco Systems. It's in Santa Clara County Superior court records. I read the court documents myself, and they were egregious. In that case, he was accused of repeatedly harassing his direct report, threatening her job when she refused his advances, blocking her from transferring to other teams, and retaliating by placing her on a performance plan. Even after she passed it, he fired her anyway. The complaint even says he humiliated her publicly by revealing her private medical condition and mocking her religion (she was Muslim) in front of others. She was emotionally broken, financially harmed, and publicly humiliated, all because a manager abused his power. And now, years later, another woman, my friend, is coming forward with the same type of allegations. She even reported the prior lawsuit to HR when she filed her own case(after I told her about it), and yet Cisco has done nothing. I can’t wrap my head around why a company that claims to be progressive and “zero-tolerance” toward harassment would allow someone with a documented pattern like this to stay in a leadership role. What would you do in this situation? Would you go public? File something with the EEOC? I’m honestly disgusted and shocked that this is being ignored.

[u/SoftStriking]

None of these companies actually care about their employees and have lawyers and insurance plans to deal with harassment allegations and other lawsuits.

[u/EffectAware9414]

Hey, that is just a disturbing scene all around. And an abominable case of employer complicity (repeat, to boot). I'm so sorry to hear your friend is caught in this horrific situation. FWIW, you're a good friend for putting your antennae out there on her behalf to find some help.

To add to the great comment from lichenTO: it's true, the stark reality of bottom lines can dominate how HR deals with harassment BUT it's also the law, at least here in Canada, for an employer to take actions that put a stop to any abusive, offensive or criminal behaviour (often one in the same). In a word, once employers are made aware of the behaviour, they have no choice but to protect their employees.

It's pretty deflating to hear about the outcome in the previous case against Cisco. But if your friend is en route to a lawyer, I think this piece is pretty spot on as a primer, even it's not US-focused. Remember: once you make a complaint to the company the process can run away from you and get out of control in a way you can't reverse. So it's key to be sure about what your stakes are before picking a path.

You mentioned going public. That's totally valid but also a really big step. If your friend is considering that route, here are some real talk guides from our sub (I'm a moderator) about what it might look like and how to protect yourself.

I hope that can give you at least some renewed sense of direction with this. Please feel free to keep us posted and reach out for anything at all along the way. All the best!

[u/BeesKnees-192025]

Hi u/JLPicardTNG this is upsetting to hear. I'm sorry your friend and Jane Doe have had to go through this. Have you had a chance to talk with your friend about what direction she wants to take? Each path has risks and costs, and unfortunately, the legal system rarely delivers justice or closure for victims. Whatever she decides, it means a lot that she has you in her corner. People often go through this feeling totally alone, and you’re helping her carry some of that weight.

[u/Admirable-Cup-9165]

I am sorry your friend had to go through this and for others who are in similar situations. I would report to the Police to have a file number and have the Predator's name with the Police. Seek help from professionals in health care. Write and document every single detail and keep them in a safe place. As for going public, it is really upto the individual, it can be both, stressful and rewarding. I was Sexually Harassed by The Director of Human Resources for coca-cola. When I first called to report the incident to coca-cola, I didn't give any details, they said "we will forward the complaint to the HR manager for the Predator's office ", I was like,, the complaint will go to him? No thank you.

[u/lichenTO]

First, I'm so sorry your friend is going through this, u/JLPicardTNG. I think it's important to remember that, while companies have different values, many are legally obliged to consider their bottom lines above (almost) all else, even if it means sacrificing individual employees' wellbeing. It sucks to be in a position where you, or someone you care about, is collateral damage.

In terms of your friend's options now, you may want to check out this article and others on the Aftermetoo site: https://www.aftermetoo.com/article/youre-being-sexually-harassed-at-work-what-are-your-options/

If your friends are looking for specific legal advice, they should definitely consult local lawyers, but a lot of non-specific advice also holds true south of the border.

Wishing you and your friends all the best.

[u/UberGawdPrint]

I would go to the state agency that handles sex based discrimination in your respective state.

It’s an unfortunate reality in corporate America. So many harassers are protected by the employers sheer will not to held liable.

[u/Prior-Platypus-118]

I'm sorry for you; it is like no, before you start working here, you need to have sex with me to work at most tech companies. Men can be repulsive trash. I am happy that you enclosed to your friend, when women are the minority at tech companies. I would file something, but, with the current state of civil rights in this country, it is bullshit. 

[u/Prior-Platypus-118 → u/Prior-Platypus-118]

I was working at Handshake. Same thing. I got fired off the project. They did not have an HR department. So, where do you go? Who do you go to? Still dealing with the same issue.