Dear Abby: Principal grilled teacher about upcoming surgery, demanding to know what it’s for

Greetings, Abby In a few weeks, my daughter-in-law will have surgery. Her teaching position will require her to take a leave of absence.

The principal was curious about the type of surgery she was undergoing when she submitted her request. She initially told him it was private and she didn’t want to share, but he persisted in bugging her until she did. Given that it’s a treatment specific to women, she felt ashamed.

I informed her that his actions were inappropriate and that his query might have been unlawful under HIPAA. She is permitted to take a leave of absence for personal reasons under her contract. In your opinion, how ought she to have responded to this circumstance? — EASTERN LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Greetings, LOA I believe your daughter-in-law did her best to manage the grilling. However, realize that the principle had no authority to encroach on her medical need. His actions were morally and ethically unacceptable.

He may have asked for a note from her doctor outlining why she needed time off for surgery. He had no interest in the specifics of the process. She should speak with a lawyer if his harassment is causing her emotional anguish.

Stories by

Thunderstorms with marble-sized hail in Wallowa County Thursday – gusts up to 40 mph

Abigail Van Buren

• Dear Abby: My son-in-law is a monster and a bully. I m done spending any time with him

• Dear Abby: Is my clingy girlfriend s devotion endearing, or a red flag?

  

  Dear Annie: 5 adults are crammed into our 3-bedroom house. Daughter’s slob boyfriend makes it worse

• Dear Abby: 83-year-old grandma s cowboy driving style could get someone killed

Abigail Van Buren, better known as Jeanne Phillips, is the author of Dear Abby. Her mother, Pauline Phillips, began the company. For more information, visit www.DearAbby.com or send an email to P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.

About The Author