Was Katz Caught at the Grammy’s?
As an ethics keynote speaker, and someone who speaks throughout the country on sexual harassment, I am always puzzled at the double-standard of those I will call the “Well-heeled Elite.”
For there is indeed a pervasive attitude in our society that runs along the lines of “Well, we’re well-educated, we’re wealthy, we’re aware of the issues concerning sexual harassment. We’re not like those construction workers or mechanics or factory workers.”
In all honesty, sexual harassment is not defined by salary, education or certainly by job description. Being aware of sexual harassment is NOT the same thing as respecting others. People either do the right thing and treat each other with respect – or they don’t.
Fun at the Grammy’s? Hardly
To illustrate the point above, let me introduce you to Joel Katz, the outside General Counsel for none other than the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. He is what is known as an entertainment lawyer. The “Academy” is comprised of more than 21,000 members and is the organization that stages the Grammy’s.
Clearly, no one should be more aware of sexual harassment issues than a lawyer who represents the music industry. Apparently, he isn’t as aware as one would believe. Enter Deborah Dugan, as the aggrieved party.
Dugan’s career has recently been put on hold as the CEO of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, after she filed charges against Katz that he had sexually harassed her before she accepted the offer to head the organization.
In a lengthy document (to the EEOC) Dugan detailed numerous innuendos from mild to mind-boggling even though she repeatedly made it clear she wanted no part of his advances. Predictably, he escalated his words into attempted actions.
According to Ms. Dugan’s own lawyers:
“Despite the fact that Ms. Dugan rejected all of Mr. Katz’s advances, he continued to act inappropriately towards her. Indeed, in every one-on-one conversation, Ms. Dugan had with Mr. Katz…he told her that she was pretty and referred to her as ‘baby.’”
Most Strange
To me, what is most strange is that Ms. Dugan was “placed on leave” after she made a complaint to HR about Katz. There is no doubt that Katz’ organization is a powerful force within the ‘Academy.’ His firm is paid an annual $250,000 retainer, plus most expenses. However, his firm is paid much more; in fact, in the past few years, they have made more than $15 million in counseling fees.
He continues to beat his own drum. According to the law firm’s website:
They have “worked with the officers and the management team in establishing the task force designed to improve ‘female advancement’ and assisted in commencing the search for a new CEO and president…”
The law firm continues to defend Katz:
“The personal allegations recently made were not previously known to us and, if true, would of course offend our culture and values. But our values also require a full and fair investigation before conclusions are reached. We understand this investigation is being conducted by the Academy and await the results.”
But who gives Ms. Dugan her “full and fair” consideration? Why is she suspended while Katz practices law for the Academy?
In the course of their working relationship, Katz allegedly, and repeatedly, crossed sexual harassment boundaries. Perhaps he assumed that in a case of “He said, she said,” he would always win. He was powerful and she was weak. He had a need to exercise his power.
Katz might rationalize that he was only kidding, but to Dugan it was extremely offensive, especially when he ratcheted his behavior from comments to unwanted touching.
In his industry, Katz may be powerful, but in the world of unethical behavior and sexual harassment, he was weak, inappropriate and unprofessional.
LEAVE YOUR COMMENTS!
