Harrassment

Harassment is unwelcome conduct that is based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), national origin, marital status, age (40 or older), and/or disability. Harassment is unlawful when the offensive conduct becomes a condition of continued employment or the conduct is so severe or pervasive that a reasonable person would consider the work environment to be intimidating, hostile, or abusive.

The discrimination laws also prohibit harassment against an individual in retaliation for filing a dicrimination charge, participating in an investigation/hearing, opposing a practice made unlawful by one of the discrimination laws, or opposing a practice or refusing to carry out any action that is unlawful.

Prevention is the most evective way to eliminate harassment. Employers need to have an effective complaint process, provide anti-harassment training to all employees, and take immediate and appropriate action when an individual complains.