Inquiry of the Week (3/23/98)

Question:

What is the legal basis for sexual harassment claims?

Answer:

Washington State statutes against sexual discrimination in employment are contained in Ch. 49.60 RCW. This chapter establishes the Human Rights Commission and defines the state "civil rights" which are protected. The crucial statute defining conduct which constitutes unfair practices for public or private employers is RCW 49.60.180. The courts have interpreted this statute as creating a legal right for an employee to sue an employer for hostile work environment sexual harassment; quid pro quo sexual harassment, and disparate treatment based upon gender. Schonauer v. DCR Entertainment, 79 Wn.App. 808, pp. 820-21 (1995).

Sexual harassment is also a form of sex discrimination that violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

Reference Sources

• Selected MRSC Library Holdings on Sexual Harassment
• • Sexual Harassment: Myths and Realities - from the American Psychological Association
• Sample Sexual Harassment Policies from Selected Washington Cities:
  • City of Bainbridge Island
  • City of Bothell
  • City of Tumwater