It is unlawful to harass a person (an applicant or employee) because of that person’s sex. Harassment can include “sexual harassment” or unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
Harassment does not have to be of a sexual nature, however, and can include offensive remarks about a person’s sex. For example, it is illegal to harass a woman by making offensive comments about women in general.
Both the victim and the harasser can be either a woman or a man, and the victim and harasser can be the same sex.
Although the law doesn’t prohibit simple teasing, offhand comments, or isolated incidents that are not very serious, harassment is illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision (such as the victim being fired or demoted).
Examples of unlawful sexual harassment include:
- Undue attention, physical assaults, or threats;
- Unwelcome touching or contact;
- Offensive jokes, slurs, epithets, or name calling;
- Offensive objects or pictures;
- Intimidation, ridicule, mockery, insults, or put-downs;
- Constant or unwelcome questions about an individual’s sexual identity.
The harasser can be the victim's supervisor, a supervisor in another area, a co-worker, or someone who is not an employee of the employer, such as a client or customer.
The attorneys at Schroeter Goldmark & Bender have worked tirelessly on behalf of those who have faced sexual harassment, including recovering lost wages and benefits as well as compensation for emotional distress.
Contact SGB Sexual Harassment Lawyers – We’re ready to fight for your rights.
If you or someone you love has suffered from sexual harassment, SGB is here to help. There is no charge for us to review your potential claim. Employment cases are either accepted on contingency or billed hourly. We discuss our fees upfront with our clients. Contact us today or fill out our intake questionnaire.
