New York Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Laws
In recent years, many workplaces have started requiring workplace sexual harassment prevention courses.
Yet every day, people continue to experience sexual harassment at work, even from those who are supposed to protect them—such as their supervisors.
One specific type of violation is sexual harassment quid pro quo.
In this article, the New York sexual harassment lawyers at Ottinger Employment Lawyers take a closer look at this somewhat unfamiliar term. If you have questions, please contact us today.
What Is Sexual Harassment in New York?
Federal and state laws generally define sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances or conduct of a sexual nature that impacts your job performance or that creates a hostile or offensive work environment.
Quid pro quo sexual harassment is a distinct act of harassment related to the laws against sexual harassment.
What Is Sexual Harassment Quid Pro Quo?
“Quid pro quo” is a Latin phrase that means “this for that.”
In the sexual harassment context, if an employer makes demands for sexual favors or sexual contact from an employee or a job applicant as a condition of employment, they are committing quid pro quo sexual harassment.
It need not be the lead or main employer.
Any person in a position of authority (e.g., an executive, manager, or supervisor) who commits the act of requiring something of a sexual nature for something related to employment is committing quid pro quo sexual harassment.
To further clarify the scope, that quid pro quo sexual harassment definition also includes a person in authority who:
- Makes sexual demands in exchange for an employment benefit (such as a raise, new opportunity, promotion) or
- Terminates, demotes, or reassigns an employee for complaining about sexual harassment.
When a person in authority makes any issue of employment dependent on sexual conduct in any way, the law can find them liable for quid pro quo sexual harassment.
Should I Contact a Lawyer If I Experienced Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment, including quid pro quo harassment, is a form of unlawful sex discrimination under federal law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII).
It is also unlawful under the New York State Human Rights Law and some local laws (for example, the New York City Administrative Code).
Specialized employment lawyers from New York handle these cases.
You should contact an employment law firm if you think that sexual harassment quid pro quo is taking place in your workplace.
Lawyers who are experienced understand that if someone commits quid pro quo sexual harassment against you, you may be feeling afraid, angry, threatened, and even embarrassed.
They will hear your story without judging you. Ultimately, they can help protect your rights and advocate for you, and they will help you pursue appropriate legal claims.
A person has no right to commit sexual harassment quid pro quo. If an employer has acted this way toward you, their conduct wronged you and they have violated the law.
You have legal protections, and you should make sure you receive the compensation you may be entitled to.
Get in Touch With Ottinger Employment Lawyers Today
For over 20 years, the attorneys with Ottinger Employment Lawyers have worked tirelessly to defend the rights of workers.
We deal with cases of all types, and we are never afraid to go after even some of the largest employers in our country.
Whether addressing sexual harassment, contract negotiation, wrongful termination, or employment class-action lawsuits, we go the extra mile for our clients.
We are one of the country’s top boutique employment law firms with offices in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and New York.
Yet we still provide personalized service to each person we serve. We never lose sight of the fact that our job is to represent you.
Do you have an employment law concern? Discuss your case with us. Schedule a consultation via our online service or by calling us at 866-938-1129.
For details about our New York office, click here
Robert Ottinger, Esq.
Robert Ottinger is an employment attorney who focuses on representing executives and employees in employment disputes. Before starting his firm, Robert slugged it out in courtrooms trying cases for the government. Robert served as a Deputy Attorney General for the California Department of Justice in Los Angeles and then as Assistant Attorney General for the New York Attorney General’s Office in Manhattan.
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