Sexual Harassment

Have you been the focus of unwanted attention at the workplace? Do you feel you are not safe at work? Have you been the victim of inappropriate touching? If so, you might be the victim of sexual harassment. As such, you need attorneys with the passion and expertise to represent you in righting this wrong.

Houston employment lawyers Kalandra Wheeler and Robert J. Wiley represent Houston workers who have been the victim of sexual harassment. They have the experience to make sure that every avenue is pursued and no stone is left unturned. In short, when you have been victim of sexual harassment you need an attorney that understands your situation and that will fight for you.

Under both Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Texas Labor Code sexual harassment of an employee regardless of their gender is illegal. Under the law there are two basic types of sexual harassments that have been acknowledge. First, there is what is often referred to as “quid pro quo” sexual harassment. This in essence is the more traditional view on sexual harassment where a superior asks an employee to perform a sexual favor in exchange for a promotion or another benefit. As time has gone on this type of sexual harassment is not as often seen.

On the other hand, the second type of sexual harassment is what is often referred to as “hostile work environment” sexual harassment. This is the type of sexual harassment that is more often seen. This type of sexual harassment can be best described as the actions of either co-workers or supervisors rising to the level of making the workplace unbearable because of their actions. Common examples of what is considered probative evidence of a hostile work environment is:

• The showing of pornographic pictures to co-workers;
• Inappropriate touching;
• Flashing of employees;
• Sexually charged remarks;
• Excessive teasing regarding personal life;
• Unwelcomed sexual advances; and
• Propositions for sex.

Sexual harassment can happen to any gender. Courts have even held that the harasser can even be as the same-sex as the victim. For sexual harassment to be found a court will need to find that the environment that was created rose to the level of a hostile work environment or that an adverse employment action occurred. Common examples of adverse employment actions are:

• Failure to be promoted;
• Failure to be hired;
• Being suspended;
• Being demoted; and
• Being terminated.

You have worked too hard to get where you are to be sexually harassed. Too often are these types of behaviors condoned by our society or allowed in the workplace. You do not need to sit idly and see these violations grow. These are not the simple teasing or off hand comments some people make it out to be. These are behaviors that dehumanize our fellow co-coworkers. As such, they have no place in the work place. If you are thinking of resigning because of sexual harassment please contact us before doing so.

The only way to defend not only your rights as a hard working employee but those of others is to step forward. We can only do our job if workers step forward and fight unfair employment practices. It can be difficult to step forward and take a stand and that is why you need a team of professionals that will be with you every step of the way.

Take Action

If you feel you have been the victim of sexual harassment, do not hesitate to contact our law firm. There are many deadlines that require a quick turnaround. Depending on your case you have anywhere from 180 days to 300 days to report a violation of the Title VII to the EEOC. If you choose to contact us, you will generally meet with an attorney to discuss your matter. If we believe a violation of the law has occurred and if you decide to hire us, we will sign a representation agreement and enforce your rights.

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