Sexual harassment is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as a form of gender discrimination. That is, the harassment is illegal because it is presumed to be motivated by the gender of the victim not for reasons specific to the victim. In addition to Title VII, a number of states have passed their own statutes prohibiting sexual harassment. These state statutes may have broader definitions of sexual harassment than Title VII and may require affirmative duties of employers beyond those required by Title VII.
Sexual harassment is illegal under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as a form of gender discrimination. That is, the harassment is illegal because it is presumed to be motivated by the gender of the victim not for reasons specific to the victim. In addition to Title VII, a number of states have passed their own statutes prohibiting sexual harassment. These state statutes may have broader definitions of sexual harassment than Title VII and may require affirmative duties of employers beyond those required by Title VII.
Example: Maine sexual-harassment law requires employers to inform their employees in writing what constitutes sexual harassment. Employers with more than 15 employees must conduct formal training programs for new employees.
The most widely used definition of sexual harassment is found in the EEOC’s regulation at 29 C.F.R. Section 1604. 11(a).