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I had been a Nurse/Educator for a large school district in New York for over 20 years. I had worked with at-risk youth for 10 years when a new administrator was assigned to the building I was working at.

Despite a very negative history, I am always willing to give someone the benefit of the doubt.  It became very apparent early that his reputation was in fact earned.

He began requesting that I take part in some deceptive practices. When I refused, things got very ugly quickly. I began documenting his harassing treatment of me and reported him to Human Resources, believing I would be supported by administration. Boy was I WRONG!!

I was treated as a complainer and offered a transfer to another job. I refused and somewhere the courage to take them on appeared from deep within my over-50 brain. I found myself putting my whole career on the line for something I truly believed in.

I filed a discrimination suit with the NYS Division for Human Rights and served them with Notice. Boy did I get attention then. So much so I had to take a Leave of Absence to continue with my lawsuit, as I knew I had a target on my back. Finding an attorney who would take on a large school district was difficult, but I prevailed and a new young attorney took my case.

Within weeks I was offered a settlement, with the contingency I could not speak with news agencies and I would accept the same position in another building.

After some careful thought, I refused their offer of another position, but insisted I retire with full benefits and pension. They accepted my offer, now I was faced with finding a job when I was over fifty. I was hired in a wonderful position, where I worked for another nine years.

Would I have had the same courage if I were in my thirties? I think not. There is something about life's lessons that give us the courage and self worth to stand up to bullies large and small.  

mhlopez63 Brava to Maureen!
Sun Apr 22, 2012, 10:22:39 AM EDT

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