Harassment Defined

Although employees may use the term “harassment” to describe a conflict with someone at work or an uncomfortable work environment, unlawful harassment has a specific legal meaning.

Harassment is unwanted and unwelcome conduct that is motivated by a legally protected characteristic such as race, gender, national origin, age, or disability. The conduct must be so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment. Unlawful harassment is often based on a series of incidents or a pattern of conduct; however, a single incident may constitute unlawful harassment if the conduct is sufficiently severe.

Though most employers are familiar sexual harassment, unlawful harassment can be based on