By, Amber Suedmeyer

Deliberate and repeated behavior that has a sexual basis and is not welcomed, requested or returned.
Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
~ Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of sexual nature. ~
~ Issued in 1980 ~

Quid Pro Quo

Occurs when a supervisor demands sexual favors from you in exchange for assistance in promoting, hiring, or retaining you.

(Do this... or else!).

Hostile Work Environment

Hostile environment sexual harassment happens in a workplace, when an employer, supervisor, or co-worker does or says things that make the victim feel very uncomfortable because of his or her sex.
The harassment occurs, even if no one makes a specific demand for sexual favors. Instead, the victim suffers harassment because she or he has to try to work in an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment.

Victims

A man who is touched and grabbed by female co-workers may have a case. Similarly, the U.S. Supreme Court has determined that an individual may bring a harassment claim against someone of the same sex.

Woman are Still Facing Workplace Discrimination in Many Forms.

Much progress has been made in the area of women's rights. However, the glass ceiling still exists. Women may be paid less than the men in their office.

They may be sexually harassed by employers, co-workers or customers.

They may be discriminated against because of pregnancy.

The Law
The Civil Rights Act of 1964
prohibits discrimination by covered employers on the basis of race, color, religion, sex or national origin.

Sexual harassment violates the law when it is so severe or constant that it alters the conditions of the victim's employment and creates an abusive working environment. Sexual harassment is illegal under both federal and state law. Federal law applies to any company with more than 15 employees when it comes to sexual harassment. Under Michigan law, any exchange that involves sex in the employment setting is illegal. A plaintiff must prove that the objectionable behavior was sufficiently severe or pervasive to alter the conditions of employment and create an abusive working environment.

Preventing Sexual Harassment In The Work Place

The Code should include: Definition of Sexual Harassment what sexually harassing behavior is. when a workplace environment becomes sexually hostile. how to tell if conduct is unwelcome. Employee Responsibilities for Preventing Sexual Harassment appropriate responses. participating in an investigation. Development of Sexual Harassment Law

 1. Say No CLEARLY 2. Write down what happened with all the records about the date, time and witnesses. Keep the record safe to report in case this happen again 3. Report the harassment directly 4. Use the Grievance Procedure available at work : Many companies have procedures in place to deal with sexual harassment and discrimination 5. Involve your UNION

6. File a Discrimination Complaint with a Government Agency

7. File a lawsuit : involving the court and request for damages

Amber Suedmeyer Approved!