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Workplace Harassment

Workplace Harassment

Employees have the right to work in an environment free from unlawful harassment. Workplace harassment may occur when unwelcome conduct based on a protected class interferes with an individual’s ability to perform their job or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment.

Under federal and Indiana civil rights laws, harassment based on certain protected characteristics may be considered illegal employment discrimination.

Harassment can occur in many workplaces and may involve supervisors, coworkers, or others in the work environment.

What Is Workplace Harassment?

Workplace harassment involves unwelcome conduct directed at an individual because of a protected class.

Harassment may become unlawful when the behavior is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment or when employment decisions are based on submission to the conduct.

Harassment may include verbal, physical, or visual behavior that targets a person because of a protected characteristic.

Protected Classes in Employment:

Harassment may violate civil rights laws when it is based on a protected class.

Examples of protected classes in employment may include:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Disability
  • National origin
  • Ancestry
  • Age
  • Military or veteran status

Harassment that targets individuals because of one or more of these characteristics may violate employment discrimination laws.

Examples of Workplace Harassment:

Workplace harassment can take many forms. Examples may include:

  • Offensive jokes or slurs about a person’s race, religion, or national origin
  • Repeated comments about an employee’s disability or age
  • Displaying offensive images or materials in the workplace
  • Unwanted sexual comments or advances
  • Threats or intimidation directed at an employee because of a protected class

Harassment may occur in person, through electronic communication, or in other workplace interactions.

Who May Be Responsible for Workplace Harassment:

Workplace harassment may involve different individuals in the work environment.

Examples may include:

  • Supervisors or managers
  • Coworkers
  • Contractors or vendors
  • Customers or clients

Employers may have a responsibility to address harassment when they become aware of the behavior.

When Harassment May Become Illegal:

Not every unpleasant workplace interaction is illegal harassment.

Harassment may violate employment discrimination laws when it is based on a protected class and is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment or affect employment decisions.

Examples of employment actions that may be connected to harassment include:

  • Firing or demoting an employee
  • Denying promotions or job opportunities
  • Reducing hours or responsibilities

If You Believe You Experienced Workplace Harassment

If you believe you experienced harassment based on a protected class, you may be able to file a discrimination complaint.

The Indiana Civil Rights Commission investigates complaints involving discrimination in employment, housing, education, credit, and public accommodations.

To learn more about filing a complaint, visit the How to File a Discrimination Complaint page.