Questions for DU lawyers

[Sadie4629]

Just so you know, at this point this is just for my own personal knowledge. I'm not going to do anything at all with whatever information you give me.

Here's the situation:

I worked for a non-profit organization for several years. In the last year we got a new Executive Director, and I discovered that she was doing things that were, at best, questionable, and at worst, down-right illegal. (She wanted to sell gifts-in-kind on e-bay; she scheduled an employee to work for pay 2/week and as a "volunteer" several other days/week; she had one set of rules for an employee she liked, and a different set for an older, disabled employee; etc.) I brought it to her attention--as in, "I think you ought to check this out before you do it," and--big surprise--she wanted me GONE.

My situation was complicated by the fact that we had a male board member who used to walk in the office and touch me--not sexually, or anything, but I still thought it was disrespectful and unprofessional, and I have no idea why he thought it should be OK. I told her I didn't like it, and when she decided she wanted to get rid of me, she told him I had complained, and--second big surprise--he was the biggest cheerleader on the BOD for firing me.

I quit my job, rather than be fired.

The questions:

*IF* I had decided to fight it, would I have had protection under whistle-blower laws(as an employee of a non-profit?) And, could the whole "touching" thing have factored in?

Again, this is really only for my own peace of mind. I feel like I just need to know this stuff before I can move on.

[DefenseLawyer]

1. You should talk to a lawyer in your area

that specializes in employment law. You have several issues there, and the answers to to some of your questions will depend on the law in your state. You should contact your local bar association, as they most likely will have a referral service which will give you the names of employment lawyers. Call them up, most if not all will be happy to give you a short consultation for free.

[Sadie4629]

2. Even if I have no intention of pursuing any legal action??

It seems to me that it isn't worth an attorney's time, if it is only for my own peace of mind; much more the stuff of message boards! ;-)If you think they wouldn't just roll their eyes, I might just go ahead and do it, though.

This whole thing was the ugliest thing I've ever experienced in my life. I worked hard and did a good job at something I loved. In return, I was lied to, lied about, manipulated, and ultimately dragged through the mud. Lots of times I just can't believe that it all happened. I did a horrible job of defending myself, and sometimes I wish I had fought the whole thing, instead of just quitting.

[DefenseLawyer]

3. No one will roll their eyes.

Most of those questions can be answered by an employment lawyer in your state off the top of her head. You have legitimate concerns, even if you don't want to pursue legal action. Someone will be happy to talk to you, I assure you.