Don’t retaliate: Alleviate

What greater duty does any person of integrity have than to speak the truth about that which is morally wrong, unjust and despicable? To speak one’s mind, to challenge injustice, abuse, exploitation, torture and the unlawful taking of life is a serious obligation. It is a constitutional right to do so — supposedly without fear of retaliation and persecution. There is always the threat, fear and acts of retaliation against those brave and courageous people who speak the truth to power. History is full of heroes who were arrested, tried in a court, condemned and put to death for speaking the truth, challenging injustice and oppression, taking a stand against what is clearly wrong and immoral. — Father Shay Cullen, SSC, in a 9.8.2019 newspaper column that defended religious leaders accused of crimes that he suggests are retaliatory.

While Cullen’s column is singularly focused, his writing mirrors the varying styles and intents of the federal government agency that investigates and sues employers based on retaliation complaints against workplace and related offenses. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) also trains employers and acts as a resource to workers and supervisors/owners alike on how to avoid acting unwisely by retaliating subordinates.

Yet, for decades, not a week goes by —