Varner V. National Super Market

As previously stated, sexual harassment is “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature” (Walsh, 2013, p. 273). It often includes unwanted sexual advances; hostile acts based on gender; or sexually charged workplace behavior (McCarty, 2013).

In this case, Ms. Varner was indeed sexually harassed by a co-worker while at work. Mr. Robert Edmiston, on several occasions, placed Ms. Varner in an uncomfortable position. He spoke graphically to Ms. Varner along with showing her images of pornography. In 1991, while working, he reached behind her and squeezed her breast. Ms. Varner was able to escape Mr. Edmiston; however she continued working. She later told her fiance of the incident who contacted the store’s supervisor. The supervisor, Mr. Curtis Mason, told Ms. Varner’s fiance, Chris Pilch that nothing could be done until Ms. Varner herself reports the incident. Pilch also states that Mason advised him to “just let it alone and maybe Bob would just leave her alone and forget about it” (Varner v. National Super Markets, Inc., 1996, para. 1).

A few months later, Edmiston once again grabs Varner’s breast and this time force her hand and place in his crotch area. Varner breaks away and runs out and tells another coworker what had transpired. Surprisingly, Varner completes her shift but tells her parents and finance what happened she got home. Pilch once again talks to Mason, who dismisses the allegation stating, "that's just Bob being himself" (Varner v. National Super Markets, Inc., 1996, para. 2).

Ms. Varner reports the incident to police, who tapes Edmiston confessing to the two incidents. He was later arrested. Mason tells the police we were aware, however, unable to do anything due to policy. He then contacts the district manager to tell him about the situation. (Varner v. National Super Markets, Inc., 1996, para. 3).

“A hostile work environment occurs when co-workers or...