Fox Law Office Fights PLLC Against Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
Can you recognize sexual harassment? That’s the Fox Law Office blog topic this month. Sexual harassment in the workplace, at school, or public places is a civil rights violation. Though not considered criminal, the law recognizes sexual harassment in three forms.
How Does the Law Define Sexual Harassment?
Anyone who receives unwanted physical contact via sexual advances can claim sexual harassment. So can those who experience quid pro quo requests for sexual favors. Finally, anyone making remarks or jokes of a sexual nature, thus creating a hostile environment, also commits sexual harassment.
Quid Pro Quo & Unwanted Physical Contact Equate Sexual Harassment
The term quid pro quo simply means “this for that,” in Latin. When associated with sexual harassment, quid pro quo means an expectation of sexual favors in exchange for something. In the workplace, this can mean supervisors expecting sexual favors from subordinates in order to keep jobs or earn promotions.
What About Unwanted Physical Contact?
In addition to quid pro quo, any unwanted physical contact, especially those of a sexual nature, is sexual harassment. A hug, a pat on the back, or unnecessarily touching a leg, arm, or face constitutes unwanted physical contact. Unwanted physical contact doesn’t only mean uninvited kisses, groping bottoms, or fondling genitalia, but all three are sexual harassment examples.
It’s Also Sexual Remarks or Jokes that Create a Hostile Environment
Another form of sexual harassment is making sexual remarks or jokes in an unwelcome setting, thus creating a hostile environment. A hostile environment, according to the law, is when one’s actions create an uncomfortable or difficult environment for another person. The offender doesn’t have directed the remarks to the victim. Nor do they need to be exactly active. Making sexual remarks or jokes at work, in school, or any place accessible to the public creates a hostile environment. Even if some people don’t mind the remarks or jokes, if others do and feel uncomfortable, that’s sexual harassment.
For information about accidents, personal injury, employment, and insurance related legal services, call Fox Law Office, at (855) 324-3684. Follow us on Facebook for updates. We are happy to discuss how to recognize sexual harassment.