Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in New Mexico

Re: Is there a statute of limitations on bringing up a sexual harassment claim?

Sounds like a stinker!

One of the things that they really have to drive home when you're in charge of other people (and their safety), is that you never, ever put yourself in the situation of being accused of sexual harassment. If it means that someone else had to take her home, or you get her a cab, so be it.

You have to be above reproach, as difficult as that seems, because the AF seems to have a zero tolerance policy...not that that stops harassment, but at least the penalties should make it worth watching what you say.

And, you should never assume that you know what a soldier is thinking,--men and women think differently, even on the battlefield. A comment which would be perfectly acceptable in training, can take on a different tone after hours or in a private car. It's not easy to know where to draw the line, --for anyone!

The military has specific rules about how claims are handled, which are different from civilian law.

In general, though, a comment made while off duty (out of the workplace) is not going to trigger discipline. But, in the military you're on 24-7, I suspect, and if the comment was really objectionable, then you'll just have to ride this one through.

Whatever the comment was, if it was bad enough, it may trigger military discipline, so go see your sexual harassment officer (MEO, your CO, as appropriate) and ask about the process that is happening to you, for most certainly there is an established process.

The Air Force also should have a publication where they publish rights and responsibilities for people in your situation, possible penalties and the process for investigation.

It's your word against hers....except there was a witness. That person will break the tie, so if you don't recall whether or what you said, if there's no order barring you from talking to the witness, find out what the witness recalls (WITHOUT trying to sway the person one way or the other).

But, don't do it alone, try to do it under the eye of someone you can trust. Or better yet, if you get some form of counsel, have that person do the investigation instead.

Good luck!