Before explaining what ‘sexual harassment’ is, it is important to understand the big picture and what are the other forms of ‘non-sexual harassment.’ There are many federal protections under Title VII and other federal statutes that protect individuals from both ‘sexual harassment’ and ‘non-sexual harassment.’
‘Non-Sexual Harassment’
Employees and job applicants are protected under federal law by Title VII of the Civil Rights Law of 1964, which prohibits employers who hire at least 15 employees from discriminating against individuals on account of their:
- Race
- Color
- National Origin
- Age
- Religion
- Sex/Gender
- Sexual Orientation
- Pregnancy
- Citizenship
- Familial Status
- Disability
- Veteran Status
- Genetic Information
If a person is subject to comments or conducts for reasons related to one of these classes, such harassment may create an unlawful “hostile work environment” when it is so “frequent or severe” or when it results in an “adverse employment decision.”
Sexual Harassment
Sexual harassment is considered a form of gender discrimination as it is harassing conduct that occurs because of an individual’s sex/gender. The Equal Employment Commission (“EEOC”) defines sexual harassment as “unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.”
“Sexual harassment” is conduct that includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that explicitly or implicitly affects an individual’s employment, performance, or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.
If you feel like you have been a victim of ‘Sexual Harassment’ or ‘Non-Sexual Harassment,’ call the experienced attorneys at the Derek Smith Law Group, PLLC. Our New York and Philadelphia sexual harassment attorneys work diligently to protect the civil rights of our clients in both the workplace and in the classroom. Whether you are in New York City or Philadelphia, our attorneys have settled cases with large corporations and major universities, and they may be able to help you too. Please give us a call at (800) 807-2209 for a free consultation.
