Definition: Workplace harassment is a form of discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal regulations. Unwelcome verbal or physical conduct based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, national origin, age if you are 40 or over, disability, sexual orientation, or retaliation are considered harassment when:
- The conduct create a hostile work environment or
- A supervisor’s harassment results in a change in an employee’s employment status or benefits, including demotion, termination, lay-off, or lack of promotion.
The law is enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC). Any individual who believes that his or her employment rights have been violated may file a charge of discrimination with the EEOC.
Alternate Spellings: harassment in the workplace
