> why isn't just answering to the first mail " sorry, not interested" then keep working there not an option ?
It is an option. In fact, it sounds like that is nearly what Ms. Fowler did -- she reported the interaction to HR (who informed her supervisor but took no action) and then she kept working there.
In my opinion, if the person who has been propositioned by their boss WISHES to just say "No" and let it pass, then they are welcome to do that. Some people are comfortable handling that sort of thing. But I would NEVER want to suggest that a person propositioned by their boss OUGHT to simply say "No" and let it pass. Very few people would be comfortable doing that and everyone should be entitled (are entitled, by law) to be free of requests for sex by the person with the power to promote, demote, or fire them.
It is an option. In fact, it sounds like that is nearly what Ms. Fowler did -- she reported the interaction to HR (who informed her supervisor but took no action) and then she kept working there.
In my opinion, if the person who has been propositioned by their boss WISHES to just say "No" and let it pass, then they are welcome to do that. Some people are comfortable handling that sort of thing. But I would NEVER want to suggest that a person propositioned by their boss OUGHT to simply say "No" and let it pass. Very few people would be comfortable doing that and everyone should be entitled (are entitled, by law) to be free of requests for sex by the person with the power to promote, demote, or fire them.