What Counts as Sexual Harassment in the Workplace in Michigan?
The State of Michigan has some of the strongest protections against workplace sexual harassment in the nation. Our state laws go beyond federal laws by affording legal remedies that are broader and more comprehensive in scope. If you’re the victim of sexual harassment at work, our experienced Michigan sexual harassment attorneys at Just Right Law encourage you to reach out for the help you need.
Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act
Michigan’s Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act defines sexual harassment in the workplace as a form of sexual discrimination, which highlights the serious nature of the offense. While every sexual harassment case has its own unique set of facts, they break down into two basic categories.
Quid Pro Quo or This for That
Quid pro quo sexual harassment applies when someone with authority over an employee, such as a boss, supervisor, or manager, uses some form of sexual conduct as a direct or implied condition of the job. This can mean in relation to hiring, employment, or promotion. For example, dangling a raise in exchange for a sexual favor is a clear quid pro quo violation.
Hostile Work Environment
A hostile work environment based on sexual harassment refers to severe or ongoing sexual misconduct that makes the workplace intolerable in terms of either intimidation or offense. While poor management or general rudeness doesn’t necessarily suffice, any of the following is likely to:
- Displaying sexually explicit or offensive photos or drawings in the workspace
- Sharing sexual jokes, using offensive language, making crude comments, or continuing to ask a coworker out after being turned down
- Touching a coworker or employee in an unwelcome manner, which can include rubbing their shoulders, blocking their movement, or fondling their hair or clothing
- Engaging in persistent misconduct, which means regularly subjecting someone at work to unwanted acts such as suggestive comments, requests for sexual favors, or derogatory sexual remarks
Discuss your claim with a dedicated sexual harassment attorney who has the experience and compassion to make a difference.
The Scope of Sexual Harassment at Work
Michigan laws ensure that both employers and employees (or other individuals) can be deemed responsible for sexual harassment on the job. And if the employer knew or reasonably should have known about sexual harassment in the workplace but failed to act, they can be held directly responsible. Once sexual harassment is identified on the job, prompt corrective measures are required.
It’s Time to Reach Out to Our Experienced Michigan Sexual Harassment Lawyers
If you’re the victim of sexual harassment in the workplace, it can take a serious toll on you emotionally and could directly affect your ability to earn a living. Our trusted Michigan sexual harassment attorneys at Just Right Law appreciate how brutalizing sexual harassment can be, and we’ll leave no stone unturned in our focused pursuit of the compensation you deserve. Learn more about everything we can do to help by contacting us online or giving our firm a call at 248-519-2313 today.