New Jersey Same-Sex Harassment Lawyer
For decades now we have understood that sexual harassment in the workplace is not just offensive and improper–it is also against the law. Sexual harassment is considered a form of illegal sex-based discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 as well as the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (LAD). Yet there is still a common misconception among many people that sexual harassment is exclusively an opposite-sex problem, i.e., men harassing women in the workplace.
The reality is that anyone can be a harasser or victim of harassment regardless of sex, gender, or gender identity. Same-sex harassment is just as improper and illegal as opposite-sex harassment. And if you been the target of such unwelcome and unwanted conduct, the New Jersey same-sex harassment lawyers at Poulos LoPiccolo PC are here to help.
Defining Same-Sex Harassment in the Workplace
To put it simply, sexual harassment is when someone in your workplace–be it a supervisor, a coworker, or even a customer–subjects to unwanted conduct based on your sex. The conduct itself need not be sexual in nature. For instance, a boss who constantly makes sexist remarks directed at female employees commits sexual harassment. But it also incorporates more blatant acts of quid pro quo harassment, such as demanding a sexual favor in exchange for more favorable treatment in the workplace.
The key to harassment is that the victim is targeted on the basis of sex. The harasser’s sex is not relevant. So a female supervisor who demands sexual favors from a female employee in exchange for a promotion commits illegal harassment. So does a male supervisor who repeatedly subjects a male employee to degrading comments like “you act like a girl.”
Same-sex harassment often takes the form of a hostile work environment. This refers to a course of conduct that is so pervasive that it interferes with an employee’s ability to perform their job. This form of same-sex harassment need not explicitly target a particular employee, but the employee must belong to the targeted group.
New Jersey Same-Sex Harassment Lawyers Serving Ocean, Monmouth & Middlesex County
Sometimes same-sex harassment can be stopped simply by reporting the offending conduct to management. But if that proves unsuccessful, then it is best you work with an experienced New Jersey same-sex harassment attorney who has been through this process before. Workplace harassment cases often require an extended investigation and dealing with corporate bureaucracy. While it is still often possible to reach a negotiated settlement with an employer over same-sex harassment allegations, if talks fail then it may be necessary to pursue outside legal action.
The lawyers at Poulos LoPiccolo PC can stand behind you at every stage of this process. We understand that it is difficult to bring these types of allegations against your employer. That is why we make every effort to provide our clients with timely, accurate legal advice and offer zealous representation in court if that is the best course of action. Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation.
