Great. Another thing to keep us awake at night: cowardly imbeciles are guarding our nuclear sites. Good lord.
The harassment you tried to endured on behalf of our nation will most likely prove to be the tip of the iceberg: Organizations that tolerate and encourage unprofessional conduct always turn out to be grossly incompetent in all aspects. This is a national nightmare.
Thank you for coming forward, Ms. Glover and bringing it to our attention. You’re a true patriot.
25
A soldier is a professional killer. He or she is professionally trained in how to kill other people. Isn’t that the main point of their job and of what they’re trained to do? What behavior might you be expecting from professional killers?
2
I am so, so sorry, Ms. Glover.
In cases such as yours, perhaps I can be forgiven for wishing castration to be a truly viable punishment for such depraved abusers.
That’s how angry I became—I am—at those cowardly “men” who attacked you, as well as their do-nothing commanders. All good men should be morally outraged. For ultimately this has nothing to do with left or right, liberal or conservative, Democrat or Republican but is fundamentally a matter of right and wrong, of human decency and respect.
5
Ivan only wish you unparalleled success in your law suit. I will leave the apology for your assault to the colleagues, supervisors and administrators who engaged in criminal behavior, civil and human rights violations, and a system that is rotting to it core when it comes to the treatment of female soldiers.
Go get them.
5
This terrible treatment of you is a national embarrassment. If you were my daughter, I would do everything in my power to make sure heads would roll. You are a brave woman.
4
I wish you well and hope you stay strong. Here's hoping those responsible get what's coming to them. As for the cowards who did nothing when this was reported, shame on you all. I also think ther should be no statute of limitation on sexual assault.
5
Why don't you name names, so we all know who did this to you? Otherwise, it's just another tragic story.
1
Centerra is owned by Constellis, whose board of directors includes John Ashcroft, who as US Attorney General approved of the CIA's secret waterboarding torture of suspected terrorists. Additionally, Centerra aquired Academi, the renamed Blackwater, known for its machismo corporate culture and massacring 14 Iraqi civilians during the US War in Iraq. With architects of torture and secret cover ups like John Ashcroft at the helm of Constellis' leadership, and with its Blackwater pedigree, it is no surprise that Ms. Glover experienced a sexually abusive work environment at Centerra, that her superiors tried to cover up. Women who work under Ashcroft's team should *expect* to be sexually assaulted and have their abuse covered up.
9
Such a horrible story . Disgusting . These people need to have the full weight of the law bear down on them if this story is true
3
Unfortunately this story sounds eerily similar to another piece about a female fire jumper who was raped by another fire jumper while out in the wilderness. While most men in male dominated professions are not rapists and assaulters there are enough of them to bring stories like this to the NYT. And just like the white supremacists who are emboldened by the racist in the White House, the sexual assaulters are also emboldened by the sexual assaulter in the White House. This paper did a piece on journalists being threatened, attacked, jailed and killed by dictators who are emboldened by the attack on journalists by the POTUS. It shows us that character matters, when the most powerful man in the world has none he will be emulated by others like him.
6
**it happens. The timber out of which humans, all humans, are made remains steadfastly crooked.
1
You were brave to continue working at the nuclear site.
You're brave now.
Carry on.
Only disgusting men wouldn't be 100 percent behind you like the rest of us are. We don't like disgusting men.
We don't like the men who sexually assaulted you. We don't like the men who grabbed you. We don't like the men who showed you their "stuff." We don't like the man who shouted, "Who'd you sleep with to earn that?"
We don't like the men around you who didn't step in. We don't like your superiors. We don't like the HR department. We don't like that you were left unprotected, at work, while men assaulted you. They embarrassed and demeaned you with the weight lifting shots and defamed you by saying they slept with you.
We don't like any of them.
In fact, all of those men are repulsive, weak, infantile, attackers.
This is a hostile work environment filled with harassment and YOU were fired. Now that makes sense.
I am so proud that you are filing this lawsuit. For you, I'm proud, but I am grateful to you for filing it for ALL women who have to deal with creepy, abusive men at work.
You need to make a list of all the men who attacked/flashed their genitals/disrespected you and either put their names on your facebook page or call the police to have them arrested and/or initiate lawsuits against them.
They ALL need to be held accountable, and fired, and possibly jailed. And you deserve a huge, enormous, towering payout.
THANK YOU. You are one cool, amazing lady.
6
Never stop being brave. What you experienced is disgusting and unforgiveable. I hope you can take comfort in knowing that you ARE the professional, the patriot, the strong woman you always wanted to be.
2
"When the security contractor Centerra (which was later replaced by SOC) recruited me to work at the Nevada National Security Site"
There in lies a big part of the problem- why in the world are we contracting out the gurading of nuclear sites?!?!?!? Though no emploee ever whould have to put up with that!
Guess some senator's uncle owns the company; or some PAC lobbiest owns the senator, or both...
2
Ms. Glover,
While my gender gives me neither the right, nor the obligation to apologize on behalf of the brutal, animalistic, sadistic, hypocritical, idiotic, and ultimately self-defeating behavior of the men you worked with...
I have every right to thank you personally from my heart for sharing your story.
I wish my world were populated with women like you; I would be a much happier man.
Thank you.
6
Holy moly, a new angle!
“I consider myself a fairly tough chick”...wait a minute, aren’t you debasing yourself by using the word “chick”???
That’s sarcasm, right?
I’m surprised nobody has asked this question yet. But maybe people are just too sick of this - not only individuals being assaulted, but true victims being blamed for their mistreatment - that we just can’t handle dealing with those that potentially endorse such behavior
If it’s not sarcasm, how about you
“man up” (or “woman up,” whatever it may be) & proudly identify yourself & your misogyny fully instead of hiding out in Texas somewhere behind your initials?
If you don’t even have the courage of your convictions that women in traditionally male fields deserve whatever harm that comes their way.......
1
I have wondered for some time when the DOE is finally going to have their Me Too moment. I have worked for a large DOE National Laboratory for many years. In the early years there was no EEO department, no Ethics department, no Affirmative Action department. The only people to report misconduct to were male supervisors who didn't want to hear it, who told me if I wanted to play in a man's world I needed to learn to suck it up, who told me, "He didn't really mean anything by it, he was just being friendly." Groping was common, being pinned up against a wall a frequent event. Rude anonymous drawings, left for me to find. Harassing obscene phone calls in the middle of the night. Having to work six times as hard to prove I was half as good. Being spat upon. Being chided for 'taking a job away from a man'. Being promised the tools I needed to do my job if I would just come over and "sit on his lap," while my male counterparts were provided with all the tools they needed. Being branded a troublemaker because I kept raising the issue I should not have to be enduring sexual assault, innuendo, and constant harassment. Being raped by a supervisor who asked, "Who do you think they're going to believe - me? or you?" Yes, I knew the answer to that. Reporting situations to the EEO/AA office once one was finally established only to be told there was no finding of harassment or discrimination, even though they never interviewed me. And still being paid less than my male peers
4
Even more disturbing than the assaults Ms. Glover endured is that this all took place at a high-security nuclear site. Why is the government hiring private contractors to run security at a nuclear site rather than our own military? That is the bigger issue here.
Good for you, NY Times editorial board, for publishing another article which shines a light on the dangers inherent in maintaining a nuclear stockpile. Please keep it up.
4
Another area where our Congressional and Executive leaders let us down by their inaction. They should be insisting on investigations and terminate companies that don't live up to their contracts. Like gun control, they just turn the other way.
1
I am sorry and angry that this kind of behavior is still practiced by self-aggrandizing in-group bullies, and that you had to suffer so much because of that. There is no more "biological" or "natural" reason for these men to attack you, or any woman, than there was for white racists to attack and beat and kill black people in the past. The feeling of being strong and superior is crudely sought in the down-casting and humiliation of the "other", and that is so whether a single assailant or a gang attacks. They are cowards in addition to being bullies. And insofar as the doctrine of their own superiority and entitlement has credence in a place, the bosses refuse redress or help to the victims. They're as bad. I'm glad you have spoken out, look forward to justice being done, and to a nation in which there is no more tolerance of excuses for these low crimes.
2
If women avoided jobs because of sexual harassment and sexual assault, we would not have jobs. These attacks can and do happen anywhere and in every job. For hundreds, if not thousands of years, girls and women have been belittled, mauled, raped, and humiliated using sexual assault as a means of controlling us so that we do not advance in society and do not get paid fairly in jobs. It is a means of domination and reducing competition, a means of economic subjugation. It harkens back to warfare practices when victors robbed and raped the people they conquered. Those vicious practices have continued into the competitive domain of unregulated capitalism.
For example, some people say women should not be in the military, but the fact is, just like in prisons and work environments, men in the military are sexually assaulted by other men. Sexual assault is not sexuality, it is weaponized sex. It is no different than when a man uses his hand to pet a dog, that same hand can be weaponized and turned into a fist. These men are not sexually excited by attraction to someone, they are sexually excited by violent and controlling behavior. Domination turns them on, the same as it did the feudal warriors.
Bravo to the author for filing a lawsuit. I hope you gave great legal support and plenty of emotional support because you are fighting a battle for all of us to live in a decent and civil society. This is the twenty-first century, not the fourteenth.
8
One of the toughest challenges in this country and in many parts of the world is that of finding among men,"those that get it," namely, recognizing that women are their equals and need to receive the respect that many men take for granted that they get
What does it prove when a man assaults a women? Other than it is a form of bullying that no real man would tolerate from anyone if practiced against his daughter or sister.
And what kind of numbskull hires such men to work in a sensitive facility. If they did any interviewing at all they could
have disqualified any number of those individuals.
2
I am so sorry for your experience. Obviously this will affect you more than just the time of the assaults. I hope you can feel happy and secure in your life in the future because obviously you so deserve it. Thank you so much for coming forward as I know this takes more courage then any of those men will ever have in their whole life. Us humans are evolving into a more balanced and just world but many are dragging their feet while screaming like babies all the way while terrorizing others. They are immature narcissistic beings that are dragging this world down. Thank you for moving forward ahead of the fray, you are a true hero.
2
Since it wasn't mentioned I will assume Ms. Glover was surprisingly the only female in this horrifying tale. Nonetheless, this behavior should never be tolerated and that her superiors did nothing should absolutely lead to termination. It's hard to believe that my government will condone such behavior.
As a guy raising two daughters into this modren world, I am sickened and appalled by your story. However, it gives me courage that strong women like you are there to speak up against this kind of behavior, and I hope that by throwing the spotlight on these revolting acts, the world of tomorrow will be safer for every woman. Thank you for everyone’s loved ones that will be safer because you had the courage to speak up. Way to go!!!
2
Thank you for your bravery in sharing this. Many men are angry and frightened by a woman being strong...this is not really about sexual pleasure but using sexual aggression to humiliate and dominate women. The private sector still allows men to get away with this when they absolute should be held accountable
And punished for behavior like this. You were right to speak up against this. I wonder if you might pursue legal recourse against
This employer for their condoning this outrageous workplace behavior.
2
Since Jenny is expert with firearms why not use them to defend ones self?
One would almost hope that some of the allegations we hear about sexual assault are not true. Otherwise one would have to conclude tbat America is a deeply disturbed society.
1
I hope Ms. Glover keeps us all informed of any retaliation she may experience for having gone public with this horrific story. The NYTimes needs to follow it and keep the story in public view - to stay vigilant and monitor those who think they are harrassing and terrorizing her in secret. Secrecy enables this type of violent behavior. It is likely she is in danger and I hope the publicity scares these little sickos and keeps them frim doing more harm. The company and these disgusting, disturbed enployees need to be held accountable, go to jail. I hope she gets a huge settlement.
1
I am ashamed for all men when I read pieces like this. I wish you the best of luck in your future pursuits.
1
Think for a minute....this site is located “in a remote area 65 miles northwest of Las Vegas.” Ever been to Las Vegas
and driven around that part of the country? The men working there as guards quite likely have no leisure activity except assaulting this co-worker. Probably not the sharpest knives in the drawer. Remember the Paul Newman film “Cool Hand Luke.” Sounds like the same kinda guys...more muscle than brains and very bored. What would they do if they didn’t have this job? Hard to imagine a bleaker workplace...except maybe a prison in Mississippi....
Oh my god I am so horrified to hear that this happened to you! It is deplorable, disgusting, and completely believable, I’m sad to say. As a victim of this reprehensible behavior myself I applaud you for coming forward to holler the terrible truth. You may think it won’t change but you, me and others speaking out about the truth...I do believe it may very well change. Remember , the bullies and cowards count on our silence. Never again sister, never again.
Thank you for your honesty and courage.
Dina
1
OK, and now, everybody who sais: 'why don't women speak up' or 'why does it take years for women to speak up':
- read it again
- let is sink in
- think
1
The Catholic Church, The Southern Baptist Church, Harvey Weinstein, Bill Cosby, Jeffery Epstein, The POTUS and we can now include the US Military... power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely. The more things change the more they stay the same.
1
I can't even imagine who in their right mind would expose their genitalia to a female coworker or actually physically assault her while on duty. Who ARE these people? Unfortunately though, I can believe her superiors reaction, as I have worked in an energy company staffed primarily by ex-military personnel. Their sense of closing ranks to protect a 'brother' is stronger than doing what's right and facing the consequences of one's actions or ordering punishment for the perpetrators. The stories my coworkers shared about their exploits in the military, even if embellished, defied what most of us would consider sane or respectable behavior, and has severely tempered my opinon of the caliber of our men and women in uniform. You see it in any security and police force. Certainly crude and violent behavior is not limited to these types of environments, but they certainly seem concentrated there.
1
Jennifer and all others: There is an axiom in clinical psychology that I owe to Herb Goldberg PhD who mention it in one of his book on his early attempts to free men of their 'male harness and rigid gender constructions' Simply put he tells that "The tougher the macho, the bigger the little girl, in a dress, is inside..."
Looking at all of this and the violence I see all around me from men and some women now, the same formula applies. These filed men are *fearful* of you at a deep core level.
Men who are secure in their identities, have *No* such inclination to do such, however quite the opposite. You appear to be a very interesting and determined young woman, and will go far in life.
In order for *any* of us to succeed in life, humans need three essential things to thrive. #1. Is the ability to love, and it's not what we all think that might be. #2. Is the ability to change and #3. Is the ability to do things well.
You deserve better, *much* better and just by publishing this article shows your sense of 'self' as well as your determination. Across time all of these malformed and failed men will go nowhere in life. Move on, and move ahead no matter where that takes you in life. Better things are waiting for you.
It seems beyond ridiculous for fearful people to be focused on the border and immigrants, when a person in the US can be shot at any time, anywhere by a US citizen and when women all over the country are subjected to this kind of despicable abuse. If we are going to talk about safety, let's talk about the real threats - gun violence and sexual abuse, almost 100% committed by white males.
3
Go for it, Ms. Glover, more power to you. Everyone deserves a safe working environment. Men who sexually assaulted you and your employer must be punished.
1
First, I want to say how sorry I am for your victimization, Ms. Glover. Second, I want to say how much admiration I have for your amazing strength and courage. And third, I want to personally thank you for sharing your very painful story. As a sexual assault survivor myself, I stand in complete solidarity with you as you continue to seek justice and accountability against your perpetrators as well as their enablers.
42
I had strongly hoped that such acts as these were rare and isolated to genuinely cruel and deranged individuals. This story completely destroyed any hope I once had. It is terrifying to know that no one of Ms Glover's fellows stood up against this horrid injustice, that none in her chain of command did their job and, by lack of courage, directly inflicted hard on an individual they were charged to protect.
I strongly recommend that higher ups swoop in and throw the entire pack of losers out of the armed forces forever.
2
My heart aches and my blood boils over what you endured. I sincerely hope your lawsuit succeeds and nails them for a very painful monetary settlement, as well as specifying all the outrages they inflicted. The other thing that should happen, in a just world, would be for every person who participated in this to be fired and their names and offenses known by all. As for the actual assault, criminal charges are warranted. This kind of culture is completely disgusting and unacceptable.
57
Let’s also hear the other side of the story. About 10 years ago I was dating a woman who became really vindictive at the slightest perceived slight. One night we were out dancing and ran into a female colleague of mine. Somehow my girlfriend imagined my colleague and I were having an affair and stormed out of the club. I didn’t hear from her again that evening but I got a call from the police the next day. She claimed that I had raped her. Over the ensuing weeks, she added numerous other false accusations to her list. Of course the police had to take it seriously. And being at accuser... she was presumed to be a victim. NOTHING she claimed was true, but it took 18 months and $32,000 in attorney fees a private investigator to clear my name. What happened to her? Nothing. The district attorney eventually told my lawyer that the girl was kooky, but that was it. Nothing. Her false accusations caused 18 months of torture for me.... but no repercussions for her. I don’t ever want to doubt an accuser, but not all accusations are always truthful.
@M Surely there must have been some legal recourse for you to recover some legal fees, perhaps in a civil suit? We know that the majority of women who report these problems are speaking the truth, but if we cannot punish those who use sexual assault lies as a weapon we will always have a problem fighting assaults.
Kudos to you for having the courage to speak out! You are a true patriot.
2
Good luck, Ms. Glover.
You truly are a very brave woman who is risking all in an effort to protect women from the horrors of sexual assault which have NO place in our society.
Your clear and poignant essay shows a deep commitment to the truth and reflects a kind of measured honesty that is utterly commendable.
We as a nation need to stand behind you. Our future national security (as well as plain old "human decency") depends on it. Godspeed!
2
Thanks for being so brave to share this with the public. What happened to you is absolutely horrible and wrong. Put aside the award and expertise at the job: no employee anywhere should be subject to this treatment. It’s unacceptable for people to treat people this way, and for superiors to view it as a non-issue. This has got to finally end.
1
These men should be put in jail for life sentences for 1) brutalizing another human being (and who knows how many others before, now and in the future) and 2) putting us all at risk by not properly attending a nuclear facility which could destroy 10s of thousands of lives. Find them, try them, send them to long, very log prison terms.
1
Why haven't the people who committed these assaults been arrested yet?
Why haven't the people who led the cover up been arrested as well?
Have the police been called and is there an ongoing criminal investigation?
Finally, is this scene from the US or is it from Saudi Arabia? Before we lecture/invade other countries to teach them human rights, shouldn't we try charity at home first?
1
Not Bob; rather, Connie.
Jennifer, I am appalled at the despicable behavior to which you have been subjected; and am in utter awe of you & your courage and strength. Thank you so much for sharing your story; I pray that your truth will be honored.
3
Jennifer, I admire you for sending this letter, because I know alot of the riff-raff in the US community will come after you. However there are more who support you! Believe me there are more who support you!
1
I am so sorry this happened to you.
It’s beyond unacceptable and absolute measures must be taken to punish and prevent.
3
There is absolutely no excuse for your treatment or the failure of your superiors to take appropriate actions in response. But I note from the dates you included in your story that all this happened to you on Trump's watch. As the old saying goes, the fish rots from the head down.
1
For every Jennifer Glover, I believe there are 999 others of humble means who have experienced the same and worse, including properly reporting transgressions, and yet who will never have justice. I find #MeToo to be all 'march and talk,' with the middle class participants not actually condemning men they know in their day-to-day lives who have sexually assaulted. I read J. Glover's account and wonder: Is it so irrational and heinous to believe the only path to justice may be at the end of a gun barrel? In my late 50s, this is how dismayed I am.
I plan to file a lawsuit to enforce my legal right to not be assaulted ...
I know I am going to draw lots of criticism asking this question, but why waiting for two years?
I cannot begin to describe how viscerally I feel for what you have gone through/are going through. As a survivor of marital rape, I remember the feeling in my gut as the Court Mediator continued the discussion as though nothing happened, when I opened my argument for sole physical custody for my minor son, with the line 'this man is an abuser and has sexually assaulted me'. I might as well have said nothing. A few months later, the Judge said it was my duty to 'forgive' him in the interest of giving the child a father. My point is: why. If I have a chance to break the patriarchal cycle of allowing men to be exonerated of their crimes of power (sexual crimes are about power) in an effort to subvert the prowess of a capable woman: why would I give up that chance? Oh and I hold two masters degrees and am a california-certified cpa.
1
This is her (?) side of the story. If true,I have a lot of sympathy. But who is there to say that her story is true? Just a thought and you might want to think about it... Thanks.
I am sorry you had this experience. I can't imagine having your coworkers treat you like a piece of meat. This mindset, and the protection of criminals needs to stop. I hope you find peace, and the job you deserve.
The one thing you must not do is agree to a non-disclosure agreement, and insist on crimimal prosecution whenever possible of whomever possible. Or, if you like, insist on a $100 million kicker in advance as part of the settlement. Name the names and details of every gorilla and make sure of the right to publish.
1
"I am a proud lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and a big supporter of the Second Amendment. "
The NRA stopped being about firearm safety and hunting long ago and is now a right-wing extremist group. Cash and the threat of gun violence from NRA members is used to advance a Congressional agenda aligned with male, white supremacy.
While I'm sympathetic, using NRA membership to build credibility in a complaint about sexual harassment is ridiculous. The NRA is exactly the problem and none of the solution. You knew this when you sent them a bunch of money to became a lifetime member.
File this story under: We reap what we sow.
The reason men behave like this (to this day and always) has been because they understand that women are EXTREMELY POWERFUL and RESPECTED in ways within their families/peers that they will never be. It's why some women are forced to cover up so they can diminish our power. We can do everything they can do...but they cannot do everything we can do and on top of that we are not a slave to our sexual impulses. Because many men cannot control themselves they try to control us with physical intimidation & harrassment.
It's high time we wise up and realize we've had the power all along they're just scared they always have been and they always will be. They can physically harm us & since that's the only thing they have to use against us they use it every time they can.
But times are changing & unfortunately they understand that and so it might get worse before it gets better but please keep telling your stories because this is vitally important. I'm so sorry you went through this my heart goes out to you you are a brave woman and you have definitely helped other women.
I firmly believe that once we have our first woman president then it will become that much harder for a man to ever be elected president again. I believe they know this at an instinctual level and so they fight collectively so that this is not the case. They want to keep their Wars they want to keep people poor they want to stay in power & control others and women want everyone to be treated equally & fairly.
And how is this not criminal? Speechless.
Men of a certain type, especially the macho type, are always threatened when a woman proves she can do the same job as he with equal ability. The "who’d you sleep with to get that?” comment is a way of rationalizing the female's accomplishment; it must be through sexual favors and not ability that she wins the recognition. Men in many industries feel they are under attack and dehumanizing women is way to assuage their fears.
Cudos to Ms Glover for the courage to speak out, but this story could be told by millions of women.
49
@Indy Anna: I have heard people say "Who did HE sleep with to get that" too... It isn't only about women. It is simply a way to wonder if the person deserved the post they got, or the attention, or the exhibition. Robert Mapplethorpe is a very famous photographer. But then you discover that when he was young, he was the lover of a very influential art critic (if memory serves.... perhaps it was someone influential in another way).. Gee, guess how he got his first show? Through contacts, thanks to his lover! There are certainly other young photographers with as much talent, but sleeping with the right person certainly helps! Tongues will wag, no matter what your sex. Women keep imagining it is ONLY about them, but often it is simply the way the entire system works, for men as well...
Unfortunately, this kind of behavior is endemic in certain vocations, especially the military and law enforcement (police, sheriffs, correctional officers).
Imagine how easy it would have been for someone like Maria Butina to penetrate this facility.
Centerra and SOC needs to compensate Ms. Glover for wrongful termination and infliction of mental distress, a settlement that would include significant punitive damages.
I doubt that even such a development would do much to rein in the behavior of these cowboys.
6
Ms. Glover,
Thank you for this article. Women are under-represented in these jobs. Even so, one woman stands up for them all, not afraid to engage and demand recognition of the problem. I hope that your efforts (as slow as it always seems) will galvanize men to not idly stand by or look the other way when this kind of abuse takes place. These criminals should not go unpunished.
4
Thank you for speaking out. It is beyond tragic that to get justice you have to write a NY Times oped and then file a lawsuit. I hope you win and you get properly compensated as well as the perpetrators and those who enabled the denial of justice fired.
That said, it occurs to me that as a government contractor guarding our nuclear stockpile that no one was paid or will get back pay for their essential work during our recent government shutdown. Really?! This seems like a recipe for disaster.
4
Jennifer, thank you for coming forward. I've been working in a male dominated field for 35 years. I have seldom worked with a female colleague. Unlike you, I have had the privilege of working with (mostly) respectful men and have suffered almost no harassment due to my gender. Harassment happened only when bosses allowed it. My point is that men can and are respectful colleagues. But our bosses must foster that sort of environment. You worked in an environment that was toxic from the top down. Your bosses (and the abusers and harassers) are and should be made accountable for that. You are very brave to come forward and I thank you. For myself, for my daughters and for all other women. We want to work in workplaces of our choosing, free from all forms of harassment.
9
As a retired military officer and clinical psychologist I am acutely aware that incidences such as Ms. Glover reported continue to happen in nearly all levels of our society both in America and abroad. Kudos to Ms. Glover for coming forward in spite of the likely storm that she will face. Too many men in all cultures are in fact, insecure, childish, possessive, jealous, and controlling due to their fears of not being good enough, especially when compared to someone they consider to be "less than." These can include women, children, different colors, different religions and certainly different sexual identities. We have a long way to go to eradicate these behaviors but thanks to brave women and other victims who have come forward someday we may truly be an egalitarian world.
4
This was made possible by a strong woman with a story that needed to be told and the Me Too movement. May the story makers rot, the strong woman find justice, and the test of us be thankful for a movement that may finally separate the bad apples from the decent men.
3
I read some of these comments and I see how far American society has fallen. No compassion, no empathy from a certain segment of writers. It's completely disheartening. What have we become? I have total admiration for the writer and thank her for her bravery. Let's hope something good comes from it.
5
This story is too serious to allow it to be handled as a personnel matter.
Multiple felonies are alleged to have been covered up at a nuclear weapons materials storage site. Felonies by the security guards themselves. If true this means the security there is compromised and that is an emergency situation.
Is the FBI investigating? (If not that is another scandal.) The corporation that holds that security contract and every employee involved must be investigated and anyone involved in falsifying information about this security breach must be blacklisted from ever holding a security clearance or any position of trust with the Federal government again.
The Federal contracting officers and their superiors who have responsibility for selection oversight and management of this contractor should all be suspended and on leave pending the results of investigation and any who failed to act properly in oversight must be terminated for cause from Federal employment.
6
Thank goodness you are speaking out. Any other woman contemplating employment with this firm, who does a web search before engaging with the company, will find your story and be able to make a more informed and more prepared choice.
The truth is, there are some circumstances where being fit, practicing professionalism and prudence, and having a trained fight response to assault simply aren't enough. I applaud you for blowing the whistle by whatever means are necessary (in this case, the press, since the employer stonewalled and fired you.)
I also encourage you to seek trauma evaluation with an experienced professional, and if you have trauma symptoms to engage with a trauma therapist who is highly trained. Trauma reactions could take a while to show up, even years, but if you start to suspect it's getting to you, seek help no matter how strong you know you are. Switch therapists if need be, until you find one whose approach works for you. And then stick with it for as long as you need to.
For those of us who thought we could handle this stuff, until we couldn't, it's even more important to stick with treatment, because we can lose so much confidence in ourselves. It can strip us of our swagger, of a core part of our identity as tough women, and of our trust in our current colleagues. Don't settle for less than real healing!
Wishing you all the best.
1
I’m curious how these guys keep their clearances. When I got my Q clearance the background checks were *very* thorough. They interviewed my neighbors, previous and current employers and colleagues, etc. The periodic reviews should reveal if someone was involved in something this. What am I missing here? Is OPM and FBI sleeping on the job? Or is it the case that the polygraphs just don’t work when they ask us “is there anything you have done that we should know about or that could be used against you?”
4
Keep talking. Keep telling. Even when they do not believe you. Keep telling. Keep talking. 40 years in the construction industry and my stories are similar. When people asked why I chose to work in that field, my answer was the same as Jennifer's--I was good at it and I had the right to be there.
5
Disgusting. And in a nuclear facility no less. These are the people providing our first line of defense? Heaven help us. Sue them all Ms. Glover.
112
@RMM
Nuclear weapons are weapons of offense, not defense.
This is a horrific story and I hope those responsible are held accountable. I recently had the opportunity to tour the NNSS and thought it was a fascinating place with so much history. So sorry to hear that a dream job there turned into such a nightmare.
28
Any chance that women shouldn't be in that job?
4
@JND Why not back up the question with why you're asking it lest people take it as being provocative rather than being sincere? It's much like if I asked "any chance that you shouldn't be on the internet?" and left it at that. Maybe a better question is "any chance that men shouldn't be in that job?".
18
@JND The article provides far more support for the idea that MEN shouldn't be in this job.
28
Any chance women shouldn’t participate in public life? Private jobs? How about holding people accountable for their behaviour.
12
If this did indeed happen it is terrible and should be investigated. This had nothing to do with Democrate or Republican as one if the commenters used this to take a shot at our President. This is one sided and we need this artical to make sure they indicate this has not been proven yet. We do not call people guilty untill proven innocent. Innocent untill proven guilty is the law.
HAVENT WE HAD ENOUGH OF THIS!
11
If we disbelieve the victim, we embolden people to keep abusing each other like this. Accountability already failed here.
2
What was done to you was disgusting, inhumane and unfair. Thank you for speaking out and sharing these experiences—which define only the perpetrators and those who turned a blind eye. Not you.
66
Women go to work.
Women are harassed and discriminated against.
Women speak up.
Women are a problem and must be harshly dealt with.
Rinse and repeat.
77
@Shiloh 2012, Change has come--if you remember the past as I do, as older people do, you know how bad it used to be. Not that it's great now. But change has come, and it will continue. For woman, for racial minority members, for gay people and more. There has been change, and there will be more. The days of oppression by one segment of white male bullies are ending, as slow and hard as it is. And not just for them--not all bullies are white, or male, for that matter. But all and each of us will stand up and insist that we NEVER go back to how it was. For it was dreadful. Intolerable. Fight on.
5
Incels. Catholic priests. Baptist ministers. NFL Players. Midshipmen, Plebes and Cadets at our service academies. Pop singers. The Saudi Government. Our President. Costa Rica's President. Virginia's Lt. Governor. Our newest Supreme Court Justice. Security guards at nuclear sites. Chefs in restaurants in Washington, DC. These are sexual predators, rapists and assaulters named in news articles from just the last two months!
What do all of these people have in common? They're men. The majority are white men. A Presidential candidate brags about sexual assault and we elect him because if we didn't elect him, we'd have a woman as President. This is unacceptable and yet we accept it.
Every woman I know is always on guard. The idea that they could be assaulted, harassed, groped, raped or raped and murdered never leaves their mind. And with good reason. One in five women will be raped at some point in their lives. 20%!
We blame society. We blame modern morality. We even blame the women.
Men it seems are deathly afraid of Islamic terrorists, drug crazed Mexicans, people who kneel and gun control. Women are deathly afraid of men.
It's time for a national conversation. It's time for a reckoning. It's time to stop paying lip service to the idea that women have equality and actually work to make it so. If women are afraid to even go to work, they are not equal.
More than a Green New Deal, we need a Women's New Deal. AOC, please make this your issue.
240
Yes you are right. A conversation will solve everything.
@mcrscpmn The NYT has a great commentariat, and this is one of the best comments I've read in a long time. Thanks for that!
6
@mcrscpmn To make such broad generalizations blaming men and framing them as the enemy, is also very dangerous. Let me remind you that the greatest and majority of contributors in almost every field: medicine, music, technology, literature, aerospace, you name it have all been men.
I support you 100%.
I admire your courage to go public about your colleagues' and superiors' assault, betrayal, cowardice, and generally revolting behaviour.
63
Disgusting. Thank you for your courage in coming forward and for your dedication to your job there with national security. Your lawsuit puts your former employer - and predatory men in general - on notice.
55
Male-dominated organizations continue to make the same stupid mistakes that harm women, our society, and their own reputations. In this case, the failures and cowardice of the leadership also jeopardized the public’s safety. I hope those in charge are soon replaced by women and men lead from a place of professionalism and ethics.
39
Toxic masculinity requires men of a certain ilk to constantly proof their "manhood" to each other by dehumanizing females deemed "pretty" whenever such a woman is in their sights. The relentless time and energy stolen from women who are constantly dehumanized as a prop for these men to validate their identity is exhausting, traumatizing and tragic. We need to start calling this treatment of women what it is. It's not sexual "harassment." It's dehumanization, hate speech and a human rights violation against half of humanity. Far from being "real men," these men are weak, insecure and dangerous. They don't have the strength of character to be the local dog walker, let alone be in some of the most powerful positions in the world.
77
Shame on those barbarians and people who didn't do what they've to do when this sexual assaults happen. Don't be afraid. We're all standing with you. Make good use of media and laws and make it hot for them.
30
Disgusting! These people have no mothers wives sisters or daughters?
When will we ever improve?
Put women in charge of everything.
You go girl!
39
This is a disturbing account, and it is particularly disturbing to know that the type of perverted riff raff who would sexually harass ANY woman, let alone a fellow soldier, get Q clearances to manage and launch our nuclear weapons. By the way, it has also been disturbing to see what now been occupying the White House for the past two years.
62
The men who assaulted and harassed you as well as those who enabled it are all cowards.
You are a tough chick and these cowards couldn't stand for it.
42
The bullying and sexual harassment Ms. Glover experienced are precisely acts of power intended to humiliate and stigmatize an individual, who faces peer retaliation and institutional indifference for reporting.
This toxic workplace culture originates in attitudes and behaviors shaped much earlier in schools and communities in which harassment becomes normalized.
172
The people who assaulted Ms. Glover should be arrested and taken out of society for good. Their supervisors should also be arrested. The private contractors should NEVER get another government contract. That is the ONLY thing they understand.
That our national security is in the hands of these sorts of malicious incompetents is the true national emergency.
70
Private, for profit companies have no business being involved in this work. Neoliberalism will destroy this country and any others in thrall to its twisted ideology of incremental margins on public goods.
10
She'll land on her feet in the industry, hopefully with a better class of co-workers. In other words, women.
12
Thank you for standing up. You have sparked another needed MeToo initiative.
13
This is an example of a national emergency. The US government cannot trust the private company they hired to protect a nuclear site.
Ms Glover, I'm thankful that you wrote this column so that you can receive the support and gratitude for your courage, and all of our concern for your safety and health.
I hope the NYT follows up with investigative reporting on this company and whomever in the US government hired them.
Every individual who verbally and/or physically assaulted you, along with those you reported it to, should never be allowed to work for the US government directly or privately again.
That we have a self-professed sexual predator as president probably allowed the individuals who engaged in assault to feel there would be no consequences.
NYT please follow this so that we will know the outcome and consequences.
49
Being able to fight off strong attackers shows your inner and overt strength that was obviously needed. Good you. The verbal attacks likewise are unnerving and horrible. I'm certain that you're showing a similar fortitude with your reporting and editorial with equal strength. Notwithstanding, I fear, we're living in a terrible dog eat dog world and your multifaceted fire power might be needed often in this ugly world. Hopefully, your life will soon be safe and secure. You'll get justice and a new and better opportunity with true professional instead of hooligans.
8
Sexism is going to be the hardest wall to tear down. Racism, well, that is hard too. But sexism, although not having anywhere near the amount of physical violence that anti-black racism has here in the U.S., is so baked in to our culture. And I mean all of us. It might be worse in some areas and with some subgroups, but it permeates every socioeconomic and political group in the country. Here is a woman, a young, strong woman with expertise in martial and military arts, and she gets treated like this? I believe that part of it is jealousy. These males don't like the idea that a "girl" can do as well or better than they can in a traditionally male job.
I would like to see the families of these men tell them how they have let them and their country down. And if they have wives and daughters, I would like to have them explain to the men how they would feel if they were treated that way. Cowardly and cruel.
24
Domestic violence is rampant in the US and most victims don't report it. So it's hard to know which group sufferers the most.
@Charles E Perhaps you are not aware, but the violence against women of all colors equals if not exceeds the violence against men because of their race. If you doubt it, check out the Facebook page "Women Count USA" which documents how many women and girls are killed every year by their intimate male partners and/or family members.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/womencountusa/about/?ref=page_internal
@Charles E
Oh, Charles, what you don't know about violence against women...! Genital mutilation, stonings, repeated beatings by their husbands that leave them with broken faces and broken spirits... I could go on and on and on but I'm getting too depressed.
1
Sounds like her male co-workers feel they are above the law and they are probably violent with other women. Yet, they are hired as security personnel, with top salaries and without a background check. This is the type of people allowed to carry arms and wield power over the rest of us. I am glad the New York Times is again reporting on this story and calling upon its readers to voice their concern. This type of violence must be investigated and those responsible need to be punished.
26
you are amazing, god bless you!
12
Stories like this are truly horrifying and deserve a full investigation and accounting of the events that took place. If true, the perpetrators deserve criminal punishment to the fullest extent of the law and the company sanctioned for their lack of internal accountability.
That being said, this is an opinion piece. Not being informed of the evidence and details of the case from an objective independent journalist, the reader is left with more questions than answers. Did the company have comment? Were police reports filed? What were the investigations done and their conclusions? There are two sides to every story and they must be vetted and heard.
I understand the value in reader's hearing Ms. Glover's side of the story. But in light of her ongoing litigation, I find it troubling that the Times would choose to publish these serious accusations through an opinion piece by an involved party. This leaves the defendants without equal means of public rebuttal (unless they choose to write an opinion piece), or the contextual independent information for the reader to make their own judgement. Additionally, this could be perceived as the plaintiff unduly swaying the court of public opinion before all the facts are heard.
3
@Alex
The moral of the story wouldn't change with a predictable corporate claim of innocence. Until it gets to the courts, I read this as a yet another courageous woman publicly adding yet another straw to the camel's back of men treating women poorly.
We all know that women are disrespected far too often in our culture. I fear I won't be the last to wash up on the rocky shore of hope that we could change for the better, and more quickly, without the need for endless repetition and hurt.
1
The author states that she is writing this in advance of filing a lawsuit. Yes, it!s an opinion piece but it’s not so much about the reader in this case. It’s a clever and very brave way for her to ensure that her lawsuit is followed by a larger public, and to tell her story before she is maligned and dehumanized once again. I will certainly be following this brave woman’s case, and demanding that she be heard without being cut down and labeled as “the problem.”
The other side will certainly have it’s chance to make their case.
2
I’ve never read a comment so concerned about the fate of a poor, COMPLETELY DEFENSELESS CORPORATION.
Either you’re a company man or angry, afraid, etc. re: individuals’ publicly “naming names” re: sexual assault, harassment, etc. I actually get it.
I suggest you query NYT re: pieces like this; many would likely be interested.
As for the company, they can write a letter, submit an op-ed, issue press releases, take out ads, etc. all likely using the standard legalese the accused do in such cases.
You’re truly worried this piece will harm the company’s chances in whatever forum(s) this dispute is evaluated?
If credible testimony by victims plus other strong evidence often isn’t enough to sway juries, etc. why would this measly op-Ed be a game-changer in this case?
Worried about “justice for all?” Consider poor minority defendants, their identities & alleged crimes ubiquitously public, represented only by an overworked public defender.
Unless you’re a corporate defense lawyer, etc. your concerns likely lie elsewhere.
Many are troubled by damage potentially & actually caused by unverifiable accusations that the formal criminal justice system isn’t necessarily going to handle for us.
We need to work together & insist that fair policies are instituted wherever we may face these accusations (workplaces, schools, government, associations, etc.) to serve the interests of justice. I think it can be done but ALL need to tone down the rhetoric to move ahead.
ms. Glover's job is just as important to our national security as was rosie the riveter's in ww II. at willow Run in detroit, women were sexually harrassed and groped as they bent over to reach in side military jet engines attatching the blades as they moved down the production line. the sexual harrassment was so bad and demoralizing and most important, distracting. these women could not concentrate. they called a strike. FDR was not amused. when he learned the reason for the strike, he reminded the men on the line what it was like to get their family's dinner out of rich people's garbage cans during the great depression. he threatened to fire them - they made good money - if they continued. he needed the full attention of these women for the war effort. it stopped. we need our nuclear sites carefully guarded. i wonder what trump wil do?
14
@L'historien
Attempt to find a job there after he's out of office now that he's aware of their practices?
I hope the assailants and the supervisor are named and shamed. They don't deserve anonymity. Who are they, where do they live? IF you live in fear, so should they. I also hope you get justice for the injustices done to you. I'm sorry this happened to you.
12
Very disturbing workplace misbehavior.You have proof of late night text messages “while their wives and children are asleep”.File a complaint of sexual harassment with law enforcement.
10
Everyone is entitled to a safe work environment.
112
The treatment Ms. Glover suffered is outrageous, and her tormentors should not just be fired, but prosecuted. I can't help but see this impunity as a direct result of using private contractors to do the military's job. However, I'm disturbed that she finds it necessary to announce her lifetime membership in the NRA, as though it makes her testimony more valid.
12
Private prisons too. We’ve got serious problems with private contracts on behalf of the government. Been reading intelligence agency news lately?
she mentions her affiliation to let us know that she is not a flimsy little flower and nevertheless it happened to her.
It's more than a bit ironic that we claim that one of our major military objectives in Afghanistan has been to defend the rights and safety of women. We can't even defend our own in the military or military related companies.
129
An effective military or police unit needs a sense of teamwork, comradeship, and esprit de corp. Mutual trust and respect are part of everybody making their best efforts. The jobs are difficult because there is an active human opponent seeking to defeat the team.
Beating and raping some of the team is about as dysfunctional as it could possibly get. It is the very definition of failure of leadership.
Who is running this team?
Fire them, and the whole chain of command, and start over.
As they are now, they can't be trusted to do any important job.
97
As a strong Human Resources leader this letter maddens me. Having to resort to this, rather than getting the support of HR, is unacceptable. Here’s to firing the HR leader who failed to lead. Certainly never hearing a word for HR is grounds for new HR management there at the site.
38
Notwithstanding your good intentions most HR functions are designed to protect the CORPORATIONS not EMPLOYEES.
Corporate behavior is more telling than the words in the meaningless codes of conduct handbooks everyone is given.
In most cases forced arbitration clauses in hiring agreements prevent meaningful remediation by errant players. Also the corporation’s willingness to apply near limitless financial and legal resources to fight the employee charges typically ensures the wronged party just walks away fearing a ruinous years long legal battle.
I suspect she has support for her fight. (I hope so). She is a warrior.
I am more suspect of HR department motives everyday.
4
With so many horrific accounts like this one coming to light it should be clear to everyone by now why women have always been so underrepresented in occupations that any human society deems important. Not for lack of skill or talent or ability but because of the jealousy and insecurity of men; which for them is backed up "nicely" by their greater physical strength.
38
@Susan
I agree. I'm tired of hearing we must respect the military for their sacrifice when assaults of female co-workers are on the rise, and these women are further punished by not receiving the after-service care they earned when diagnosed with PTSD partly as a consequence of these assaults.
Shame.
19
This story suggests this woman was attacked because she is physically strong and was probably a target because the males labeled her as “lesbian”. As a country, we have to address this issue. Assaulting gays and lesbians has been acceptable in our country for too many decades. These men quite likely were praised by their family and friends for their assault of her. Let’s address that thread in our national psyche. Now!!
6
@Georgia
Good point. But it's also true she is a woman and that's enough for some people.
5
This story needs to be pursued to the deepest levels, and all parties responsible barred from ever getting security clearance again. Suitable legal charges must also be made.
This woman is a warrior, and this is a true dishonor toward anyone who serves to protect our security.
30
A disturbing story. We need to hear from others involved as well, not just the accuser. An investigation is necessary, since we need since sensitive facilities should be protected by professional, reliable guards.
17
This just makes me so terribly, terribly sad. As awful as that feels, it's easier to live with than the absolute fury I feel toward the men under government contract who reflect something terribly wrong with our culture. Men in other cultures that we're reportedly protecting ourselves from who are as demeaning of women, at least are holding to what they consider to be principles. This is just plain cruelty and hatred of women. I wish there could be something done to make some fundamental changes. We can at least start by sending Ms. Glover our heartfelt care and compassion.
38
A truly troubling story. I wonder if there is anyone in a position of authority with the spine to give it the investigation that it demands. One thing that I am sure of: this story is hardly unique.
70
It's time someone in our government starts looking closely at the mercenary companies it contracts the security of the nuclear arsenal to.
But what agency would that be? Which agency under Trump looks out for the best interests of the country, let alone the safety and well-being of women who choose to work for contractors there?
After all, this IS age of Trump, the sexual-predator-in-chief and money-is-everything government head.
Ms. Glover sounds like someone I'd hire as a bodyguard if I needed one. This is 2019! And she can't work in this job without being assaulted? From the sound of this case, neither her co-workers nor the company thinks she should be there among their testosterone-driven team.
Jennifer's attackers are rapists and sub-humans.
I AM concerned about what goes on at that site.
There are probably more incidents like this among these government contractors at missile sites, at immigrant holding facilities, at border "camps;" etc. Hold these contractors to the highest standards. They make tons of money by having "ins" with our government and we have no knowledge of how this all happens.
But who has time to dig at things like this while we witness 45 relentlessly tearing at the fabric of our government and our lives.
89
@EPDowd
Sadly, it's not just "mercenary" contractors.
It's also more than a few bad apples in our military.
11
This is a horrific story. Women in these jobs should be assigned to duty where there are equal numbers of males and females assigned to each shift. The company should be required to offer “signing bonuses” to achieve gender equity. When our culture has to pay to recruit females to these guard positions, women will apply because they know they will be safe at work. It is a numbers game.
15
So what’s your point? Being a plumber is not a typical female occupation, but it doesn’t justify sexual harassment.
12
@Geri
I agree that more effort should be made to recruit women- don't just hire one woman and think you're good- try to get more, so that the women you get aren't alone and isolated.
Clearly, this woman was interested in the job, and she excelled at it! You sound like the type who thinks woman should not work in law enforcement or the military. Practicing unmeasured and all out violence, and not being able to control who you direct that violence toward is not what the security forces of this great country should be doing. Are you saying that because they work in security they are a band of marauders with unchecked testosterone levels and a complete lack of civility? If “boys will be boys” let’s get women to fill those positions, and boot the boys.
This kind of thing makes me furious -- as it should all men raised to honor and respect women. I would hope every mother and sister of the males who did this stuff be informed of the despicable activities of men in their families (sons and brothers). Maybe they could bring the concept of shame to men who apparently don't know the meaning of bringing shame on their families. I served in the Air Force for over seven years. This kinda stuff makes my stomach turn. The idea that officers condoned it goes beyond the pale.
234
@tbrucia It won't help. The men that did this likely treat the other women in their lives with contempt as well.
As we all know, domestic violence is epidemic.
Too, although I understand an appreciate what you are saying - a woman without husband or brother or father or son still has the right to be safe regardless of her relationship with a man... as a basic human right.
37
@tbrucia
Just dont make it womens responsibility to reign in mens behaviour.
That suggests men are beyond self reason and personal responsibility and the onus, one way or another is on women.
32
@tbrucia ... and how about their wives and children, too.
Stand strong Ms Glover! Regardless of the outcome, never forget that you are a worthy person and a credit to us.
I understand what it means to be in your situation. I am deeply saddened that after all these years and so much work we have not been able to conquer this issue.
45
I believe you and send my support to you in this difficult task of seeking justice. Thank you for bringing light to this by writing, we cannot let men get away with this any longer.
47
It is very sad that an act of courage by someone so dedicated to their duty seems to have attracted less comments and views than a common street entertainer. Maybe the offences are just too familiar and our inaction too shameful to bear witness.
35
You are one heroic woman. Your story should be circulated in every office and training ground. You have done a favor for women and men everywhere, and it is clear that you know at what cost. Because, it is sure that you will pay a high price for speaking out. This will consume your life for months and years, and you will be subject to unrelenting insults pressure and threats. But thankfully you, and other brave individuals like you, are bringing about the changes that must happen. Thank you and know that you have given hope to many who dared not speak out.
63
Though sickening, yet again, this is not at all surprising.
The hatred and misogyny rampant in our culture is most blatantly focused in male dominated military style or hierarchical cultures. Not dissimilar to Jim Crow era brutality, men have gotten away with this, but their time is coming to an end.
Waves of shock and change will continue until they rock their world. The men who run these bully hate-a-thons will get the message, voluntarily or not.
Their day is coming to an end.
63
This story illustrates as well as any I've ever read a point that our broader narrative has, sadly, obscured: that to be a feminist is to advocate not for extremism, progressivism, or even liberalism, but merely for fairness and decency in the treatment of women.
Ms. Glover, I'm sorry you had to endure such abuse and wish you success in the proceedings. Though it is not incumbent on victims to ensure that perpetrators are punished, each holding to account serves as both another admonishment against this kind of behaviour, and as a warning that one engages in it at one's own great peril.
60
You are a hero. Thank you for all you've done to protect our country.
And thank you for sharing your story. This needs to stop. It's horrifying and repulsive at every level. The men who assaulted you and their supervisors need to be investigated, harshly disciplined and, hopefully, lose their jobs.
You've done a very brave thing to speak out and I hope it has vast repercussions.
I'm so sorry for what you've been through.
365
Hopefully her suit will go to a jury trial. The wrongful termination award that a jury will likely bestow is the only thing that gives the snakes at the head of corrupted corporate cultures like these pause....that and/or the loss of their government contracts. But the contracts won’t be pulled over sexual harassment anytime soon, as long as the head of the federal government is a proven sexual harasser himself...
48
Shame, people should be held accountable and given the appropriate punishment. The supervisors should be accountable and ensure it does not happen again.
18
@sal If they'd open up Yucca Mountain they would have thousands of people patrolling the site.
Instead, Harry Reid took his $18 billion in Federal $ and used it for a 20 year jobs program in his state..content knowing he would never allow it to be opened.
This is the same reason women need to have their own combat units in the US Military if they're on the ground and in the heat of battle.
There is just too much testosterone and lack of brains to govern civilized behavior in Homo Sapiens.
7
@Erica Smythe - if men cannot be expected to behave as civilized humans, why should we trust them to be police officers, army officers, airline pilots, etc? Just giving someone power (and permission to kill an opponent when necessary) does not mean we don't expect civil behavior.
22
@Erica Smythe
Sadly men rape and assault men too- so having all female units wouldn’t solve the problem. It’s about power, accountability and corruption.
9
This sort of treatment of women does not mean that the male colleagues are incapable of fighting effectively or doing their job. So it does not put us at risk except perhaps by pushing one of the mistreated over the edge.
Part of the bonding that makes military and other units effective is often joining together against the other, as in Army versus Navy or upperclassmen versus pledges. Sometimes the bonding is a testing of candidates for membership in the bond, but sometimes the bonding is strengthened by rejecting others. And the bonding always includes rejecting those who side with outsiders, such as whistleblowers or snitches or complainers.
Part of the bond Ms. Glover admires is shutting her out of it. If she were true to most of her principles and values she would accept her second-class status. She is being tested for admission but the test is rigged so that she will always fail. She also values fairness and justice and living by professed values, but the group she wants to bond with does not value these things and would not accept her even if she abandoned valuing them too.
She has become a figure that wants to drastically change (abolish, as they see it) the group whose members she admires and who rejected her. This is an unstable and paradoxical existence she has chosen, and she will be fortunate if it does not end badly.
3
It seems to me that you just justified violence and sexual assault. When you have a daughter, who you love, and she experiences this hazing and dehumanization ( which you call it), it will effect you deeply.
43
@sdavidc9 It is hard to believe that you are willing to justify what took place. This kind of violent, unprovoked assault is a criminal act and should be treated as such.
49
@sdavidc9 Sorry, when I was in the military I missed all that. What unit were you in? Special Forces? Mess Hall? What? Abusive behavior is always wrong, immoral, illogical, and particularly bad in a military or police environment. The fact that the command structure did not respond shows a pervasive failure of leadership and responsibility and these are two disciplines that actually mean something in combat.
85
This is assault, people need to go to prison for this.
199
My sister-in-law's niece went into the Army, as did her husband. The niece became a foreign language intelligence expert. She was really good at her job, and the nation certainly needed her.
However, she ended up getting out of the military as soon as she could because she faced FIERCE sexual harassment at every level.
In white, heterosexual, pro-life Christian, male-dominated America, a woman's value is in the kitchen and in bed...and nowhere else.
Sadly, Ms. Glover, America doesn't deserve to have people like you dedicating their life to protecting us.
204
@Jay David I totally disagree. America deserves great women and men protecting us. What we don't deserve are the spineless excuses for men up and down the chain that perpetuate these prison-worthy acts and protect the offending criminals. These are the opposite of men, who should be run out of the military immediately.
4
@Jay David
Yes, when I think about the terrible cruelty meted out to women by the Taliban, I despair that if it weren't for sex and reproduction, men might have already exterminated women from the face of the earth for being the "other." Sorry, guys.
3
The lack of accountability on the part of Ms. Glover's superiors is just one more argument against private contractors taking the place of U.S. military personnel in so many of the functions crucial to our national security. While there is incompetence and corruption in all institutions, at least in the military there are robust mechanisms that hold the possibility of criminal consequences for those who would assault fellow personnel. And censure and demotion could result for higher-ranking officers who fail to act.
222
You certainly are brave. I cheer for that bravery, but I fear for you as well. How can we make this barbaric behavior end?
22
@Barb You're right. I'm sure the terrorists who will attack a nuclear site will take *great care* to not hurt the guard's feelings in any way!
@bubba
Which do you think would be the harder target for a terrorist attack? A cohesive group of professionals, or a macho fraternity of bullies. A gang of men may be pretty tough against a single woman who is not allowed to shoot them, but there wasn’t one of them tough enough to defend her.
This sounds awful. Thank you for telling your story. Wishing you peace and healing as you move forward.
13
@RLS
That is not enough. I wish a serious high level investigation should ensue and appropriate punishment handed out for the perpetrators and high level administrators who failed to keep this nuclear facility secure.
I am astonished private contractors are allowed to place our national security at such a high level of risk. This facility should be transferred to the military at once. Foreign countries and entities who do not wish us well read our newspapers too.
29
This is abhorrent and despicable and criminal
Those guys should go to jail for a long time if they can be prosecuted and convicted
I have a 12 yr and 10 yr old daughters and I fear for their security when I can no longer protect them
God bless you and give you the strength to face this ordeal
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Thank you!
Also - you are a "tough chick". Not because you like guns but because you are working to make things better for others and because you are directly taking on a tough issue.
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Don't we men have mothers, sisters, cousins, female classmates, work colleagues, (and so on)? Would you or I tolerate assaults for one second if we knew it occurred or was planned to occur? Wouldn't we go to the police authorities immediately?
Using this woman's case, it appears the "chain of command" is not working. Ladies, be strong....Please! For your sake and the benefit of your sisters and brothers who find this behavior intolerable.
I suggest a person victimized by this type of assault go directly to the police authorities. In this case the assault took place at a Federal facility, the FBI might be contacted and brought in to investigate.
There may still be insensitive police who would not pursue, but I suspect there would be a police-type authority at some level who would take a victim's allegations seriously.
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I applaud your courage in reporting this and pray to God that this type of crime does not go unpunished. The time is right for seeking justice for harassment suffered in male-dominated industries. All should be safe at work (and home) and free of the knuckle-dragging attitudes that prevail in those environments.
Your article is timely and important. Keep the faith.
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This is not the first example of someone being sexually assaulted or harassed at work. Given that these revelations have been near-continuous with the advent of #MeToo, and there are many more from before Harvey Weinstein's actions, I am curious about the path Ms. Glover chose - taking her assault and harassment complaints to her company's HR and hoping that would positively resolve her pain and suffering appropriately. Was there no option to take what sounds like a felony to local law enforcement, instead of corporate HR? Was there no option to take things to the Dept. of Energy-run site, instead of corporate HR?
College students who are sexually assaulted by fellow students would do better to engage local law enforcement, instead of the college administration. It is the best way to get justice for a criminal felony. While going to corporate HR may seem easier, how often does it actually result in justice?
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@Voldemort
Often times, things that are inappropriate an unsafe for the workplace or university environments are not illegal. For example, hazing is not illegal and could not be reported to law enforcement. It is the same way with sexual assault in many cases; while propositioning your peer for sex is inappropriate in a work situation, it is not illegal.
Women must be able to count on HR departments and universities to maintain safe work and learning environments. This woman's story is one example of the perils women face from male violence at work.
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@Voldemort How often does going to the police result on justice? Rarely. And the federal government (assuming that was indeed an option for her, not sure) isn't exactly a bastion of justice. The EEOC is a notorious joke. Yes, it was unfortunately probably predictable that HR would not help her, but it was the best of her bad options presuming she wanted to keep her job--they controlled the workplace she wanted to work in. On every article such as this, there is comment after comment (often well-intentioned) about "why didn't she do X and so and so should really handle this." The point is -- no, there wasn't a better option. Women in this position literally have zero good options.
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@Marta She is speaking with an attorney and getting a settlement with several zeros might be a good option to help her superiors understand the problem.
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You have my absolute support. We appear to be political opposites but I applaud your sense of justice and your courage.
Sadly it is a fact of human nature that people will want to blame you as the victim for whatever reason.
It's really because they can't cope with the awfulness of what went on and don't want to believe that these men (and I suppose women are complicit in there somewhere as well), these men who are entrusted at the highest level for their countries protection are completely morally bankrupt.
If they accept what happened to you is a fact then they are accepting that no one is safe and that these "heroes" can not be trusted; are not who they want us to believe.
It will be easier to deny your truth than to live in fear.
With my utmost respect I support you from afar.
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God bless and protect you. Thank you for doing what you're doing to prevent other women from having to go through this horrific treatment. And know that you have already helped people by writing this article. I hope this is investigated on a criminal and civil level.
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@ShelbyC72
James Richard Perry is the current Secretary of Energy. Rick is no scientist. Rick is no genius. Rick is no paragon of courage or honor or morality.
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