Hostile Work Environment

Does Calling Someone a B*tch Create a Hostile Work Environment?

the situation A female employee claims that a male co worker has repeatedly called her a stupid b*tch.  Can she successfully assert a claim for hostile work environment?

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Could Supervisor’s Statements Regarding Biracial Dating Create a Hostile Work Environment?

the situation Caucasian employee has an African American spouse with whom she has several children. The employee’s supervisor begins complaining to her about his concerns that his daughter is dating an African American man and talking to her about the potential problems that might arise out of this relationship, including consequences within his extended family […]

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But He Said it Too! Does Employee’s Use of Racial Epithet Negate Discrimination Claim?

the situation An employee asserts that he has been subjected to a hostile work environment, partially based on claims that other employees and supervisors regularly used racial epithets in his presence.  But, you are aware that the complaining employee had been known to use those very same terms at times. Does that affect his claim […]

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Don’t Tread on Me Flag Considered Racist?

the situation You have an employee that frequently wears a shirt displaying the “Don’t Tread on Me” (also known as the Gadsden flag).  Another employee complains of discrimination, claiming that this symbol is creating a hostile work environment.  Could this really be a claim?

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Jezebel Comment Leads to Hostile Work Environment Claim

the situation During the interview of a prospective new employee, one of your male supervisors comments on a female employee’s attractiveness.  After the employee is hired, the same supervisor repeatedly and frequently comments on the employee’s appearance and attire.  The supervisor then begins calling her a Jezebel.   She quits, citing the problem with the supervisor […]

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Stray Remarks by De Facto Decisionmaker Support Discrimination Claim

When is an employer liable for “stray” remarks? How connected do the stray remarks need to be to the adverse employment action? Earlier this summer, the Second Circuit reversed a district court’s award of summary judgment to an employer on a discrimination claim involving stray remarks in a denial of tenure case where the remarks […]

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Look out—possibly more hostile work environment claims ahead

Following the recent ruling of the Fourth Circuit after an en banc rehearing, employers may face more claims for hostile work environment. In Boyer-Liberto v. Fountainebleau Corp., No. 13-1473 (4th Cir. May 7, 2015), the Fourth Circuit overturned a prior decision by its own panel and the district court and found that an extremely serious […]

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