Definition

The term sexual harassment came into use in the U.S. federal courts in the 1970s to describe a form of gender-based discrimination in the workplace. There are two legally recognized forms of workplace sexual harassment: quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment. In quid pro quo, unwanted sex or genderrelated behavior constitutes a term or condition of employment or advancement at work. For example, an employer might require employees to tolerate the employer's sexual advances to maintain employment or gain promotions. In hostile environment, unwelcome sex or gender-related behavior creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. For example, employees might be offended by their coworkers' displays of pornography in the workplace. U.S. law also recognizes sexual harassment as a form of discrimination in ...