Rabidue v. Osceola Refining Company
United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
805 F.2d 611 (1986)
- Written by Galina Abdel Aziz , JD
Facts
Vivienne Rabidue (plaintiff) was the only female, salaried employee at Osceola Refining Company (Osceola Refining) (defendant). Rabidue’s coworker, Douglas Henry, was extremely vulgar and obscene, especially regarding women. Henry called Rabidue a “fat ass” and a “bitch” who needed a “good lay.” The management at Osceola Refining was aware of Henry’s behavior and unsuccessful in putting an end to it. Rabidue met with other female employees, who were discomforted and annoyed by Henry’s behavior. Other men in the office displayed images of women in sexual poses on the walls. Although Rabidue was in management, she was excluded from activities related to her duties. Unlike male employees in management, Rabidue did not receive free lunches, free gasoline, a telephone credit card, or entertainment privileges. Nor was Rabidue invited to the weekly golf match. Rabidue was fired on January 14, 1977, for her opinionated personality and her inability to work harmoniously with her coworkers. Rabidue sued Osceola Refining under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII), alleging a sexually hostile work environment. The district court found that Rabidue failed to establish a violation of Title VII. Rabidue appealed.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Krupansky, J.)
Dissent (Keith, J.)
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