RIGHTS WATCH : Old Issue, New Twist

The “Boston Eight” is a self-proclaimed group whose members allege they are victims of sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. Outside of Massachusetts they would be of little note except for the fact that all are men and their complaints are against a California diet food company, Jenny Craig.

The eight men, who worked for Jenny Craig in the Boston area, either have filed suits against the company or have lodged complaints with the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination. The firm has denied the charges.

Complaints of sexual harassment and legal actions filed by men are on the rise, adding yet another wrinkle to the already complex issue of work and gender. And such complaints are likely to get more attention soon because of the coming movie based on Michael Crichton’s best-selling novel, “Disclosure,” about reverse sexual harassment.

Many male complainants say they get little sympathy and much ridicule. That will sound familiar to anyone who has read news reports of cases involving female victims over the years.

Some of the men in the Jenny Craig case say they were made uncomfortable by the company requirement that they wear smocks and scarves. Such complaints might seem comical to some, but the subject of sexual harassment is no joke. The temptation might be to dismiss men’s sexual harassment complaints or to inappropriately indulge them. Each case should be assessed on its merits. And we should all look forward to a day when sexual harassment of both men and women is a historical footnote.