For back story, I’m a female in my mid 20’s and have been in this role for a year. It’s in higher education and I plan to stay in this realm for a LONG time.
It started around my birthday in April. My coworkers knew I was going to Vegas so they asked me about it when I got back. I gave them the typical run of the mill “we went out, it was fun” answers. I relocated for this job and there was only one person I knew in town who also works at my institution (across campus, no connection at all). My coworker opened up to me about personal things and I told her that this guy across campus and I were chatting. I had also went to a conference and mentioned something funny another conference goer did. All in good fun, no supervisor ever upset, etc.
Well I get an email the end of April for S*XUAL HARASSMENT. The complaint says it came from an anonymous source and it included “a picture of me exposed (I showed a pic in Vegas and fully clothed I might add), details of my relationship with a colleague (no details and not really a colleague), and an inappropriate picture from this conference (it was a guy laughing, literally…).”
I met with HR and they said “we can’t take this any further because there was no actual harassment and we have no clue who said this.” All was fine and well, but it was very confusing considering the things my coworkers talk about lmao… I always had someone in mind from the beginning of this incident.
I stayed quiet and did my work. The coworker I thought did it pulled me aside probably a month ago. She asked why I haven’t been talking to her and I explained “I got an anonymous complaint that made a big claim and it’s been easier to mind my business.”
Fast forward to last week, she asks me to go on a meeting with 2 donors that give to the area where the guy I WAS talking to works in. They knew the staff personally and we get talking… long story short, the donor brought up the guy and I had said his stance on some things related to education. They asked how I knew and I said I’m close with multiple staff in that section and their fams!
Now to today… I get called in and put on a PIP. I’m “not trusted to go on meetings” and “I shared medical/personal information about a staff member.” They also took all my donors from that area and are telling his boss. That I repeated something he said?? It was 100% this coworker.
Anyway, I’m not sure what other things she made up to make it this big of a story but my life is imploding before my eyes. I’ve felt out of place nearly from the beginning here and this hurts. Higher education is so intertwined and I don’t want bad blood, but this has just hurt my feelings.
Funny thing is, I got asked to interview for the school I REALLY want to work for yesterday. I care a lot about my education and career and have worked my butt off to get here. To be so young and feel so rejected (?) in a way really sucks.
I know to leave before they terminate me. I know this is just a bump in the road. If this sounds like it’s not the full story, I agree! I can’t believe it became this large of a thing.