Harassment

Harassment occurs when an employee is systematically mistreated because of his or her gender, race, religion, or some other protected classification.In general, there are two types of harassment: "hostile work environment" harassment and "quid pro quo (or 'this for that')" harassment.

Hostile work environment harassment occurs when the mistreatment is severe or pervasive. Evidence of harassment might include:

• epithets, derogatory comments, or slurs;

• assaults, impeding or blocking movement, or any physical interference with normal work;

• derogatory posters, cartoons, or drawings; or

• unwanted sexual advances.

Quid pro quo harassment occurs when a supervisor or manager pressures an employee to engage in a relationship or sexual acts in exchange for his or her job or other terms of employment.

Harassment is demeaning and awful for the person harassed. Because it is so serious, individuals, as well as companies, can be held liable for unlawful harassment.