Other Forms of Illegal Harassment

Most people are aware that sexual harassment is a potential violation of the civil rights laws thanks to the
Anita Hill/Clarance Thomas debate in the early 1990s, but other forms of harassment are just as illegal.
Both state and federal law prohibit harassment of employees based not only on sexual matters, but
harassment based on race, color, religion, national origin, gender, disabilities and age as well. In some
cities (such as Fort Worth & Austin), sexual orientation harassment is also prohibited. However, not
every joke or name calling incident violates the law. Rather, the courts will only provide protections for
actions that are so severe and pervasive that they either interfere with an employee’s work performance,
or they create an intimidating, hostile or offensive work environment. The list of what is and what is not
actionable harassment cannot be summarized here because it would be too expansive, but it is important
to note that courts and juries will be asked to find a violation only when the conduct is clearly offensive
to the victim, and to a reasonable person. Also, failure to comply with a legitimate-company policy on
harassment by reporting violations by coworkers and supervisors may also prevent a victim from
obtaining monetary relief for illegal harassment.

If you believe that you have been the victim of illegal harassment, please fill out and send the
discrimination e-mail form. If you have been wrongfully accused of committing or allowing illegal
harassment, please fill out and send our email contact form. We would be happy to review your matter,
and contact you about your potential options. PLEASE DO NOT DELAY, as this may prevent you from
being able to assert your legal rights.