Gender Discrimination

Title VII makes it unlawful for an employer to discriminate on the basis of gender in any employment situation or opportunity. We now review some of the ways in which employers have engaged in gender- based discrimination. These include gender as the basis for an employment decision, gender-plus discrimination, and sexual harassment.

The EEOC has identified two types of sexual harassment. The most straightforward type is called quid pro quo harassment. Quid pro quo means “something for something.” The other form of sexual harassment is referred to as hostile work environment sexual harassment. Hostile work environment sexual harassment is quite controversial in some instances and more straightforward in others.

The EEOC has clearly articulated basic guidelines for employers to follow to reduce the incidence of sexual harassment in the workplace.