25 Sep What constitutes Sexual Harassment in the Workplace?
All employees are legally entitled to freedom from a hostile work environment. Hostile work environment refers to situations in which an employee is harassed or intimidated based on factors, such as sex, race, or any other protected class.
Sexual harassment is one area under hostile work environment law that is designed specifically to address harassment that is sexual in nature.
Sexual Harassment Under Federal and Arizona Law
In Arizona, sexual harassment is governed by federal law, not just Arizona laws.
Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) clearly states that sexual harassment is a sex discrimination claim. Any claims within the federal scope of sexual harassment are enforceable by the EEOC.
Behaviors that fall under sexual harassment in the workplace include –
- unwelcome sexual advances
- requests for sexual favors
- any verbal and/or physical conduct that is sexual in nature
However, these unwanted sexual behaviors constitute sexual harassment, if they explicitly/ implicitly –
- affect an individual’s employment
- interfere with the individuals’ work performance in an unreasonable manner
- create a hostile work environment
Here are some common examples of sexual harassment in the workplace –
- Inappropriate touching
- Confiding sexual information verbally
- Stalking
- Sexual bullying or making coercive sexual threats or demands
- Sexual advances
In addition to the federal law, the Arizona Civil Rights Act also protects Arizona employees from sexual harassment in the workplace.
If you are a victim of sexual harassment, talk to an Arizona employment law and sexual harassment lawyer. S/he will assess the facts and help you claim legal protection from sexual harassment.
To learn more, consult one of the leading sexual harassment attorney and wrongful termination attorney lawyers in Phoenix, AZ at Chahbazi Law PLLC or call 602-282-5868 Now! Attorney Meenoo Chahbazi uses her extensive experience and passion for employment equality to represent Arizona employees in a wide range of employment matters.
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