Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (n.d.), sexual harassment is defined as "a form of sex discrimination, which is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964." There are two forms of sexual harassment which are "quid pro quo" and "hostile environment". Mary has been subjected to both forms of sexual harassment. Her manager, Frank, has violated the Title VII of Civil Rights Act of 1964 and will be reprimanded for his actions.

The first form of sexual harassment is called "quid pro quo". It requires two elements be met. "1) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual's employment, or (2) submission to of rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such an individual" (Questions and answers about sexual harassment, n.d.).

The second form of sexual harassment is called "hostile environment". The court looks at several factors before it makes its decision if an environment has become hostile or not. The elements are: "(1) whether the conduct was verbal or physical or both; (2) how frequently it was repeated; (3) whether the conduct was hostile or patently offensive; (4) whether the alleged harasser was a co-worker or supervisor; (5) whether others joined in perpetrating the harassment; and (6) whether the harassment was directed at more than one individual" (Questions and answers about sexual harassment, n.d.). Mary doesn't need to worry if her situation does not utilize all elements as the courts use this as a guideline.

During the first part of the conversation when Frank approached Mary he committed the form of sexual harassment known as "hostile environment". He then progresses to threatening her if she will not accompany him to dinner that night. That is a form of sexual harassment known as "quid pro quo" and "hostile environment". Upon his third advancement, Frank commits both forms of sexual harassment in which Mary contacts me.