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PROGRAM D-8020
Fran is struggling with how to deal with overt sexual harassment from a man at a higher level in her company. Her friend, Louise, comes over to her house to talk about it.
“Fran,” Louise starts, “this needs to be confronted and reported.”
“Right. And if I do, guess who will be in trouble,” Fran replies. “Not John; me. After all, there were no witnesses, Louise. He made sure of that.”
“I know, Fran, but if he came on that strong with you, undoubtedly he’s done it to other women,” Louise responds. “And besides, somebody has to bring this out in the open so he can’t keep getting by with it.”
“Yes, I believe we should take a stand against evil for the sake of others,” Fran says quietly, “but it’s not easy when it’s your neck in the noose.”
For a couple of hours, Fran and Louise discuss her plan of action and agree that step one is to confront John directly and hope that’s the end of it. Louise encourages Fran to put it in writing, keep a copy at home, even mail a copy to herself and leave it unopened so the date can be verified. They work on the letter which begins with a detailed, objective account of the offensive behavior, then a description of how that behavior made Fran feel, and finally what she plans to do if it continues.
Before Louise leaves, they spend a long time in prayer asking for wisdom, praying for John and his family, and praying that God will help them put an end to this—not only for Fran but for all the other women in the company.
The next morning, Fran spends more time with Jesus and feels confident this is what he would have her do. Shortly after 9:00, John appears in her office; Fran hands him her letter and says, “John, here’s something I want you to read.”
A long silence follows that feels like an eternity. Finally, John says, “I certainly don’t agree to any of these accusations, Fran. You women ask for equal rights and then you want to be treated with kid gloves.”
“John, this is not a question of equal rights,” Fran replies. “I simply want to work in an environment that is free of sexual harassment.”
John stares at Fran for a long time, then says, “I can see that working with you today would be impossible.” With that, he stomps out.
Fran falls into her seat like a limp dishrag as he leaves, her knees buckling beneath her. But she knows she has done the right thing. Later she tells Marilyn that she confronted John over what she believed to be sexual harassment.
Marilyn looks at her and shakes her head. “You confronted him? Well, I’ll be.” She pauses for a long time, then says, “Good for you, Fran. I should have done it years ago. Just let him try to do you any harm—not over my dead body!” And with that, she walks out. Fran says with a smile, “Thanks, Lord!”