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September 12, 2012

The Law and Your Job

Sexual Harassment

How can employers prevent sexual harassment?

  • Develop a written policy dealing with sexual harassment, indicating that sexual harassment is against the law and also violates company policy. The employer can contact the EEOC in Washington, D.C. for its guidelines on sexual harassment. These will help the employer formulate its policy.
  • Develop an effective complaint procedure for workers subjected to sexual harassment. Provide a mechanism for employees to bypass their supervisor when the supervisor participates in the harassment or fails to take proper action. The complaint procedure should encourage a prompt solution to the problem.
  • Promptly and effectively respond to sexual harassment complaints. Undertake a complete and confidential investigation of any allegations of harassment and impose appropriate disciplinary action.
  • Prevent sexual harassment before it occurs. Circulate or post the company anti-harassment policy and the EEOC rules on sexual harassment. Express strong disapproval of such conduct and tell employees of their right to be free from harassment.

>>How is sexual harassment defined?
>>What is quid pro quo harassment?
>>If a worker "voluntarily" has sex with a supervisor, does this mean that she has not been sexually harassed?
>>Is an employer liable for quid pro quo harassment engaged in by its supervisors?
>>What is hostile environment harassment?
>>Is an employer liable for hostile environment harassment?
>>What should victims of sexual harassment do?
>>How can employers prevent sexual harassment?


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Major Federal Laws | *Sexual Harassment*