The Sexual-Harassment Victims Who Can’t Get to Court
“One year into the #MeToo movement, there’s an underreported barrier to supporting victims: Many workers are still not legally protected from sexual harassment. Federal law—specifically, Title VII of the 1964 Civil Rights Act—recognizes two categories of workplace harassment. There’s quid pro quo sexual harassment, when a boss, supervisor, or anyone in a position of authority with hiring or firing abilities pressures a subordinate for sexual favors in exchange for a promotion or raise, or to avoid dismissal. And there’s a hostile work environment created by severe or pervasive harassment, which could include repeated lewd comments and off-color jokes, unwanted sexual advances, or even sexual assault.”