Harassment at work can violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal employment laws, according to EEOC. Harassment can be based on race, sex and a number of other factors. It’s considered unlawful when it’s a condition of employment or when it’s so severe or pervasive that it creates a hostile work environment, EEOC says in guidance.
The standard for hostile work environment has created some confusion, especially as it relates to racial slurs. A worker asked the U.S. Supreme Court last January to revisit an opinion from the 5th U.S. Circuit
