Men and women of all backgrounds and ages in Rhode Island enjoy playing video games, including popular online games like Call of Duty and World of Warcraft. The company that makes these games is apparently not an inclusive or even safe place for women to work, though. Activision Blizzard Entertainment was recently named in a sexual harassment and discrimination lawsuit, leading to the company’s president resignation.
A frat boy culture
The lawsuit accuses Activision Blizzard of cultivating and fostering a frat boy culture. Female employees reportedly face high levels of sexual harassment on the job, and the men who perpetuate that harassment face little to no repercussions. The suit also claims that women are rarely placed in leadership roles, and when they are they:
- Earn lower salaries
- Receive less incentive pay
- Face higher rates of discrimination
The lawsuit points out that the company’s president J. Allen Brack knew as early as 2019 that women were leaving the company because of sexual harassment. It also cites multiple examples of women going to HR to complain about unfair assignments or pay, and receiving no help. Brack apparently administered verbal warnings to male workers who were accused of sexual harassment, but purportedly did little else.
Women in Rhode Island deserve to feel safe, valued and respected in the workplace. Unfortunately, many women still have to deal with sexual harassment and unfair treatment when they clock in. This kind of treatment is not harmless, either. Victims of workplace discrimination and harassment often suffer financial losses and face stumbling blocks in their career advancement. Successfully navigating a legal claim against a discriminatory employer is one way to recover compensation for these and other damages.