Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is a form of employment discirmination. Such claims are are not bound to just woman; anyone can experience sexual harassment in the workplace. Sexual harassment claims may include the following:
- Vulgar and profane remarks directed towards the employee
- Inappropriate and unwanted touching
- Lewd conduct
- Demands from a boss for sexual favors as a condition for continued employment, raises, or bonuses,
All of the above-listed conduct constitutes sexual harassment, and is unlawful under Federal, state, and local law. As an employee, you are entitled to a workplace free of sexual harassment. Imbesi Christensen Michael's attorneys represent employees who are facing or who have faced sexual harassment.
Governing Laws
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits discrimination "based on sex." Courts have held that Title VII prohibits subjecting an employee to sexual harassment in the workplace. The New York State Human Rights Law and the New York City Human Rights Law also contain similar provisions concerning sexual harassment. Generally, the State and Local laws provide additional protection to employees.
The second type of unlawful sexual harassment is referred to as a hostile environment situation. A hostile environment is often the result of gender based unwelcome conduct of supervisors, coworkers, customers, vendors or anyone else that the victimized employee interacts with. The following behaviors had contributed to a hostile work environment:
- Unfulfilled threats to impose a sexual quid pro quo
- Discussing sexual activities
- Telling sexually related jokes
- Unnecessary touching
- Commenting on physical attributes (body parts)
- Displaying sexually suggestive pictures
- Using demeaning or inappropriate terms
- Intentionally sabotaging the victim's work
- Engaging in hostile physical contact
- Using offensive language
These behaviors must be severe or pervasive, and one or two instances of such conduct is unlikely to create a strong sexual harassment case. Our firm's attorneys will evaluate your claim for free.
Interested in learning more?
Mia Shaw, Esq.
