Megan Thomas’ Syracuse-based law firm focuses on women who are being sexually harassed. And what better place to advertise to clients than the local airport? After all, Syracuse Hancock International Airport (SYR) saw over 3 million passengers go through its doors in 2024 alone.
“There are a lot of people traveling for business, traveling with a creepy boss,” said Thomas.
The sign would cost about $650 per month for six months.
The Syracuse Hancock International Airport, which the Syracuse Regional Airport Authority runs, seemed to be onboard, to the point that they went as far as to help her find a graphic artist. They even told her that if she hurried, she could get her sign up that same week, in time to get the last of the peak summer traffic.
Airport Pushback Over the Message
The advertisement didn’t go up.
Even though it was initially approved, airport management told Thomas she would have to change the ad because it would upset men and politicians. According to Syracuse.com, they asked her to “soften” the language of the ad because airport management said the language and message of the sign was “unprofessional, inflammatory and unnecessary.”
The concerns came from airport Chief Operating Officer Jason Mehl, just before it was time to put Thomas’s sign up. He said he was concerned he would get phone calls and emails from angry businessmen and politicians because of the sign’s message.
Thomas and Mehl began discussing alternate verbiage on the sign. From Syracuse.com:
She offered him nine sentences that were specific and punchy, like: “When your creepy boss calls it harmless flirtation, I call it a lawsuit.”
Mehl turned them all down. He offered her “softer, alternative lines,” that he said would better align with the sensitivities of the airport. An example: “When your concerns were brushed aside, we took them seriously. Workplace harassment is real. Let us help you hold them accountable.”
Thomas turned the options down. “They’re watering down my message,” she said. “I don’t want to spend my money on that.”
Here’s what the original sign looked like (via Megan K. Thomas, Esq. for TSM):
Double Standards in Airport Advertising
Thomas says she feels censored, particularly in light of the other signs in SYR. From her social media:
Meanwhile, when you walk into this same airport, women are bombarded with ads pushing Botox, facelifts, and breast augmentation.
The position that we can tell women how to change their appearance—but not that they deserve a workplace free from harassment (which by the way is supported by the law) – is deeply troubling.
As an employment attorney, I see the toll harassment takes on women every day. Many stay silent for years—just to keep a paycheck and support their families. Many don’t even realize they have rights. Also, many men aren’t aware of how harmful their behavior is, or that it can be legally actionable.
Thomas has begun a change.org site to get signatures from people who support her plight.
Taking the Fight Public
From Thomas’ change.org site:
Running a law firm in Syracuse that ardently supports victims of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace, I recently attempted to place a billboard advertisement at the Syracuse Regional Airport. The proposed message was clear and vital: “When HR called it harmless flirting, we called it Exhibit A.” However, this ad was rejected for being “a bit much.” It was suggested that men “may find it intimidating” and that local politicians might not favor it. Furthermore, there was apprehension about potential complaints against the advertisement from the broader public.
The rejection of this billboard represents a broader issue—the continuous silencing of necessary conversations about sexual harassment in the workplace. It’s a disappointment that such a critical message is being pushed back for fear of discomfort when, in reality, the discomfort that countless individuals experience daily due to workplace harassment is immeasurable.
The site gained nearly 800 signatures in its first 3 days.
“Please join me in telling the Syracuse Regional Airport that standing up for women’s rights isn’t ‘a bit much,” said Thomas. “Let them know that women-led businesses deserve the freedom to speak up—without having their message filtered through outdated fears.”
Not Backing Down
Thomas says she’s not going to drop the issue.
“I will not cave,” she told local radio station WIBX.
They have an obligation, again, to have a content neutral stance in putting up advertisements and I’m going to hold them to that standard. I think it’s the right thing to do for women. Frankly, I think it’s the right thing to do for all of us. When there’s more equality, we all benefit.
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1 comment
If politicians don’t like it I’m generally in favor.
That said, I think “ The rejection of this billboard represents a broader issue—the continuous silencing of necessary conversations about sexual harassment in the workplace.” is pretty disingenuous. Needed conversations are not the same as “Sue the b*****ds”. I enacted a sexual harassment policy in my business; not because I was sued or someone suggested it but because it was the right thing to do.
I do think that toning it down just a touch rather than pushing hard for more lawsuits would be reasonable.
Comment edited by YMMV to remove adult language