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Governor Mike Braun
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Harassment in Public Places

Harassment in Public Places

Individuals have the right to access businesses and public spaces without being subjected to harassment or intimidation based on protected classes.

Under federal and Indiana civil rights laws, harassment in public accommodations may violate the law when it targets a person because of a protected characteristic and interferes with their ability to access goods, services, or facilities.

These protections help ensure that public places remain welcoming and accessible to everyone.

What Are Public Accommodations?

Public accommodations are businesses or facilities that provide goods, services, or access to the public.

Examples may include:

  • Restaurants and cafes
  • Hotels and lodging establishments
  • Retail stores and shopping centers
  • Theaters and entertainment venues
  • Hospitals and medical offices
  • Gyms and fitness centers
  • Transportation services
  • Personal care businesses such as salons

Individuals should be able to access these places without discrimination or harassment.

Protected Classes in Public Accommodations:

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

Protected classes in public accommodations may include:

  • Race
  • Color
  • Religion
  • Sex
  • Disability
  • National origin
  • Ancestry

Businesses should ensure that customers are not subjected to harassment because of these characteristics.

What Is Harassment in Public Places?

Harassment in public places may involve unwelcome conduct directed at an individual because of a protected class.

This behavior may become unlawful when it interferes with a person’s ability to access services or creates a hostile environment in a public place.

Harassment may occur through verbal comments, actions, or other behavior that targets a person because of their protected characteristics.

Examples of Harassment in Public Places:

Harassment in public accommodations may take many forms. Examples may include:

  • Racial slurs or offensive comments directed at a customer
  • Harassing a person because of their disability or use of assistive devices
  • Mocking or threatening a person because of their religion or religious clothing
  • Sexual comments or behavior directed at a customer
  • Repeated intimidation or hostile behavior toward a person because of their national origin

When harassment interferes with a person’s ability to access services or facilities, civil rights protections may apply.

Responsibility of Businesses:

Businesses that serve the public should take steps to address harassment when it occurs in their establishment.

Staff and management may have a responsibility to respond to harassment that affects customers’ ability to access goods and services.

Taking appropriate action can help ensure that businesses provide a safe and welcoming environment for all customers.

If You Believe Your Rights Were Violated

If you believe you experienced harassment in a public place because of a protected class, you may be able to file a discrimination complaint.

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

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