Despite media attention on sexual harassment, there is a misconception about what constitutes sexual harassment as defined by the law and what does not.  Studies show that an astounding 40 to 90% of U.S. working women have encountered some form of sexual harassment during their careers. This insidious form of sex discrimination impacts women’s personal and professional lives. The focus of this section is sexual harassment in the workplace, what it is and what can be done about it.

Women who experience sexual harassment are too often forced out of their jobs. Most endure the humiliating and discriminatory treatment because they need to keep their jobs, and only leave when the harassment becomes unbearable. In so doing, women forfeit seniority, wages, and long-term security, while harassers continue to enjoy these benefits. Despite laws that protect employees from retaliation for making complaints about sexual harassment, many women have seen that reporting harassment has dire personal consequences. Complaining is often futile. And those who report sexual harassment often become the subject of the investigation. Retaliation (including job loss) is commonplace. Rigorous enforcement of existing laws to prevent and remedy sexual harassment will be how we ensure that women have equal opportunity and safety in the workplace. It is difficult for women to do their best and succeed on equal footing with their male colleagues when so much time and energy must go to dealing with their personal safety and protecting their human dignity.

Background Information

Case Law

Know Your Rights

ERA’s Litigation:

McIntyre and Hibbitts v. Main Street and Main Street Incorporated d/b/a TGIFridays