2-3-4 Challenge Book Discussions #2 discussion

Peyton lands a job as a food critic with a prestigious magazine in Minnesota. Drew Albertson, managing editor & the son-in-law of the owner, is her immediate supervisor and a sexual predator as she quickly learns. The company’s HR department tells Peyton she has to wait 3 months to file a sexual harassment claim and refuses to give her the forms to file. Why would an otherwise smart, educated woman like Peyton accept them at their word? Why did HR try to keep her from filing the forms?

I was disappointed that Peyton accepted what HR told her. I can't think of any workplace where you couldn't file a sexual harassment claim as soon as you started working.

I think HR knew exactly what Drew Albertson was like and didn't want to be bothered. It also could be a case where the people in HR knew if they started an investigation, they would be fired.

I was shocked that Peyton didn't go immediately to the police with what happened to her. I do understand that this job was a dream that became a nightmare for Peyton. She had never experienced anything like this before and it freaked her.

HR knew they would be in deep trouble if Peyton were allowed to file a claim, because there were others who would also file claims. Heck, the whole company knew what a sexual predictor he was. All they were waiting to see was if Peyton was going to be a willing plaything or his latest victim.

Perhaps Peyton was so shocked by this response from HR that she didn't know how to respond. I think I might have walked away from that conversation with my head in a whirl. But after I had time to regroup, then yes I would have involved someone else and not just a couple friendly co-workers.

In part, I agree with Jessica. I believe Peyton was shocked not only by Drew but also by HR's response. She was speechless and needed to wrap her head around everything. I would have walked away to think about the reaction and what to do next. It takes time to think about options.

Peyton gave up a lot to move so far from home. Her savings are limited, and she found that this company employs most of the area. It is challenging to fight an entire town, which would happen. Small towns are often closed communities.

I was surprised that she didn't contact the Office of Economic Opportunity. Those of us who have been around awhile know that the process isn't easy and can often get a "complainer" blackballed from future opportunities outside the current employer. The food industry will learn about the complaint, and they could block her attempts to get chef experience.