Someone Reported My Boss. She Found Out, and She's Holding It Against Me.

"You volunteered to be part of an important committee that aims to improve the quality of education at your university, and what did you get? A committee member who violated confidentiality, a manager who can’t reprimand you for it, and a situation where you’re being pressured anyway—through “feedback” and insinuations of a “larger pattern.”"

"People can approach us confidentially with these issues. The work we do for this committee can’t be a part of our annual review. Management doesn’t appoint us; we have to stand for election, and most years, we have more candidates than seats. Unfortunately, one of our members, “Lianne,” isn’t very ethical."

"Lianne reported on this conversation to Hannah without permission. I reminded the other members that we have a duty of confidentiality to the people who come to us. Lianne then went to a higher manager to say that I was bullying her. The higher manager seemingly understands that she can’t reprimand me for this, and there is no record of our meeting."

"Hannah, however, keeps bringing it up as “feedback” to me, and implying that it’s “part of a larger pattern” that she’s “concerned about.” Explaining to her that this is completely illegal on her part has not put a damper on her willingness to bring it up. Some of the other committee members have either brushed the incident aside or seem to have taken Lianne’s side against me."

A university committee handles confidential reports about education quality and members must not include committee work in annual reviews. One member violates confidentiality by informing a manager about a complaint and then escalates the matter by claiming bullying. The manager cannot formally reprimand the complainant due to the lack of a record, but continues referencing the issue as feedback and suggests a larger pattern of concern. Other committee members dismiss the incident or align with the accusing member. The goal is to remain in the role without being forced out, while finding a way to work productively despite ongoing conflict and potential illegal conduct.

Read at Slate Magazine