Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

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Legal Standards Governing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

Sexual harassment at work violates Minnesota law (and federal law) when it creates an illegal hostile work environment or becomes a condition of employment. Under the Minnesota Human Rights Act, “sexual harassment” is defined broadly as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that either (1) makes submission a term of employment, (2) affects employment decisions, or (3) substantially interferes with an employee’s work by creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment. In simpler terms, harassment becomes illegal when it is severe or pervasive enough to alter your work situation, or when your job or benefits depend on tolerating sexual behavior.

Quid pro quo harassment: This occurs when submission to sexual demands is made a term or condition of employment. For example, a supervisor who says “sleep with me or you’ll be fired” is engaging in quid pro quo sexual harassment.
Hostile work environment: This happens when unwelcome conduct of a sexual or sex-based nature is so abusive that it creates an offensive or hostile workplace. Repeated sexual jokes, explicit pictures, unwanted touching, or derogatory comments about gender that are pervasive can all contribute. A single offensive comment may not be enough, but a pattern of discrimination can violate the law.
Examples: Being subjected to explicit sexual remarks, repeated inappropriate touching, leering at a disrobing coworker, or enduring pornographic posters at work can all be illegal if they are serious and persistent. Likewise, firing or demoting someone for refusing sexual advances or for complaining about harassment is doubly illegal (both harassment and retaliation).

Minnesota’s laws (and the federal Title VII) are designed to protect employees from sexual harassment. If you endure unwelcome sexual conduct that is severe or pervasive at work, you have a right to file a claim. Zack Johnson Law, LLC represents Minnesota clients in sexual harassment cases. We will explain what qualifies as harassment under state and federal law, help gather evidence (emails, messages, witness statements), and pursue the case so you can work free of harassment. Contact Minneapolis/Twin Cities sexual harassment attorney Zack Johnson for a confidential consultation. We take these claims seriously and are here to hold harassers accountable.

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