Workplace Woes: A Former Duck's Fight for Justice

A Troubling Workplace Culture

Rose Harris, a former IT employee of the Anaheim Ducks, has taken legal action against the team, the NHL, and OC Sports & Entertainment. Her lawsuit alleges a workplace culture described as a "frat house boys club environment." Harris claims she faced sexual harassment, sexist remarks, and other forms of misconduct during her tenure with the Ducks.

The Beginning of the Harassment

The problems began shortly after Harris was hired in July 2022. She alleges that she and other women were subjected to:

• Nonconsensual touching
• Exposure to obscene pornography
• Derogatory comments about their clothing

Harris felt trapped, fearing retaliation if she spoke out. It wasn't until a colleague also came forward with harassment allegations that Harris felt empowered to voice her own experiences.

HR's Dismissive Response

Things escalated when Harris reported the misconduct to the organization's Human Resources vice president. Instead of support, she was allegedly told:

"If you want to further your career within hockey operations, you should consider looking elsewhere."

This dismissive response only added to Harris's distress.

Resignation and Retaliation

Harris resigned at the end of 2024 and joined the NHL's league office in New York. However, her troubles were far from over. When the NHL's head of HR learned about Harris's whistleblowing at the Ducks, she was falsely accused of hacking her email and subsequently fired. Harris maintains her innocence and is now fighting back through her lawsuit.

Implications for Professional Sports

This case raises serious questions about workplace culture in professional sports organizations. It highlights the importance of creating safe and inclusive environments where employees feel valued and respected. The outcome of Harris's lawsuit could have significant implications for how such organizations handle harassment and retaliation claims in the future.