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by bgia 3278 days ago
Keep an open mind. I don't know you, nor your coworkers, but you may have done something that feels "normal" to you but is actually inappropriate without even realizing. That's why it is important to raise awareness on misogyny and the rape culture: a lot of the problematic behavior seems perfectly normal and acceptable to the perpetrators, but it's really not. Not saying that's what happened with you, but it could have and the only for you to find out is to get a clear explanation on what the complaint about you was exactly.

I'd recommend approaching HR (or management) keeping this in mind. You could tell them that these are serious accusations and that it makes you sick to even imagine you made someone feel that way. You could show them you genuinely don't understand what was wrong but are willing to improve and to work on yourself so you don't ever make anyone uncomfortable again.

My 2cents, but again: I don't know you, the company you intern in, nor have I ever been in such a situation. So please take my post with a grain of salt.

4 comments

> so you don't ever make anyone uncomfortable again

This is not within OP's (or anyone's) power.

HR, "Human Resources" is not there for you : it is there for the company.
Exactly right. Don't talk to the person either. And write notes, verbatim if possible, after any meetings with HR/mgt. Also - seek advice from someone outside the company who understands rape culture. Review with them the interactions you had and seek to learn.
Yes and ask HR for honest feedback, specifically for improving one's professionalism. They most likely won't do it, but let them be the one to be unprofessional.
Dunno, I would recommend asking trusted person, but not hr.