Quid pro quo is a form of harassment that occurs when someone in a position of authority, for example, your supervisor, demands sexual favors in exchange for workplace privileges such as a pay raise, a promotion, or more flexible hours. The imbalance of power restricts your ability to say no. Harassment is a form of employment discrimination that violates Title V11 of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, and the Americans with …
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To prove harassment in the workplace, an employee should establish a clear timeline, gather evidence, keep good notes, and find potential witnesses. Everyone has the right to work in a safe environment free from harassment in all of its manifestations from micro-aggressions to outright discrimination. Still, workplace harassment often goes unreported or unaddressed and targeted employees suffer silently.  The Noble Law works with courageous, hard-working people who simply want to work in peace in a supportive environment without fear of …
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Sexual harassment in the workplace describes unwelcome sexual behavior that negatively impacts an employee’s ability to do their job or otherwise creates a hostile work environment. Similarly, but distinctly, sexual assault occurs when one is subjected to unwelcome touching of a sexual nature. Both forms of sexual misconduct are prohibited acts that constitute sex discrimination under federal employment laws. Unlike other types of sexual harassment, sexual assault is specifically defined by the criminal codes of each state and can be …
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Twenty-two states require some form of sexual harassment training for employees. A few states dictate the nature of the training, mandating online or interactive training. The states differ in the scope of laws. Some states require training of only private sector employees, while others mandate all, or a subgroup, of public sector employees to be trained. While California and New York require training for all employers, other states require training only by employers with a prescribed minimum number of employees. …
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Workplace sexual harassment of employees is an awful and unfortunately commonplace situation that can damage people in many ways. An Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) study found that anywhere from 25-85% of women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. For a variety of reasons, that study also found that 75% of workplace harassment incidents go unreported. Workplace sexual harassment certainly did not vanish when many jobs went remote at the onset of the Covid pandemic (as we note below, …
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On the disturbing new topic of “Weinsteining”, Laura Noble makes it clear that “Sexual harassment is legally defined.  It is not a wink or a one-off flirt. It has to be either severe or pervasive.”  Sexual harassment victims are often not taken seriously by HR, are often demoted, professionally side-lined or fired.  As an attorney that represents victims of sexual harassment and assault, Laura Noble warns that “Weinsteining” may actually highlight the potential for creating an atmosphere that “makes women …
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About the Author     Laura Noble is an Employment Attorney and Managing Partner of The Noble Law Firm, with offices in Raleigh, Chapel Hill and Charlotte. NC.  She is a former Assistant District Attorney in Brooklyn and has defended victims of sexual harassment and rape in the workplace.  Laura Noble is available as to serve as legal expert on workplace sexual harassment issues to local and national media outlets.  OVERVIEW I’m an employment attorney, and I represent people, mostly women[1], who …
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