Sexual harassment is an unfortunate reality in toxic work environments. Despite federal and state laws prohibiting such conduct, this form of sex discrimination continues to harm employees across the United States. Further compounding this problem, many cases of workplace sexual harassment go unreported, in the face of potential employer retaliation.
HKM Employment Attorneys LLP in St. Louis, Missouri, is a national law firm with precise knowledge in the field of sexual harassment in the workplace. The lawyers at HKM Employment Attorneys have represented many victims of sexual harassment in the workplace, against all kinds of corporate entities. No matter how hostile the environment or powerful the employer, HKM Employment Attorneys can help you fight back. If you have legal questions concerning sexual harassment in the workplace, contact us to discuss your situation.
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Comprehending the Boundaries of Sexual Harassment in Missouri
As established in the Missouri Human Rights Act, it is unlawful for employers to make employment decisions based on membership in a protected class. Missouri laws protect the following classes from unlawful discrimination:
- Race;
- Color;
- Religion;
- National Origin;
- Ancestry;
- Sex; or
- Age.
Concerning sex discrimination, specifically, Missouri laws prohibit unwelcome sexual conduct in the workplace. To qualify as sexual harassment, the conduct must be unwelcome and ongoing. If the end result is a hostile and abusive working environment, then it likely qualifies as sex discrimination under the Missouri Human Rights Act. There are certain limitations on what qualifies as sexual harassment.
Types of Conduct Considered Sexual Harassment in Missouri
The Missouri Human Rights Act specifically prohibits discrimination that derives from conduct of an explicitly sexual nature. Missouri laws take a comprehensive approach to sexual harassment, including unwelcome verbal and physical behavior.
Missouri law includes two main categories of sexual harassment in the workplace:
- Quid Pro Quo: The employee is forced to submit to explicitly sexual conduct in order to keep his or her job, avoid demotion, or secure a promotion; and
- Hostile Working Environment: The employee is forced to endure a hostile and abusive working environment where explicitly sexual conduct is severe and pervasive.
Overall, the Missouri Human Rights Act serves as a shield, protecting employees from unwelcome sexual behavior and abusive working environments. If employees are forced to experience such behavior in the workplace, it is highly advisable to seek legal help from a knowledgeable Missouri employment attorney.
Retain a Missouri Employment Attorney for Legal Assistance
If you or a loved one were the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, the road forward can appear overly daunting. This is particularly true in the face of employer retaliation, when your livelihood seems to hang in the balance. To safeguard your rights in the face of such circumstances, know that you can reach out to HKM Employment Attorneys for assertive and diligent representation. If you need legal assistance, contact us today to get started.
