A Whisper Ends In Dismissal

A Pennsylvania federal judge dismissed a lawsuit filed by an employee of Merck Sharp & Dohme who alleged sexual harassment and retaliation under Title VII. The employee, Peter Nyamu, claimed his supervisor whispered in his ear during a staff meeting, which he interpreted as sexual harassment. The court ruled that the single incident lacked sexual intent and was not severe or pervasive enough to constitute a hostile work environment.

Nyamu was reassigned after being found responsible for multiple contamination incidents in sterile areas. He alleged the reassignment and denial of overtime were retaliatory, but the judge found no unlawful conduct to support the claim.