My boss said it was hot and I said yea its hot and he told me to take my closthes off, then I said "no that will never happen its not that hot", then he said he was just joking and he was sorry for saying that.
2006-11-22 08:18:19 · 37 answers · asked by KerryAnn 4 in Politics & Government ➔ Law & Ethics
It's called a making pass. If he repeats that kind of stuff too often, or tries to leverage his boss status to make you accept it, then it becomes harassment.
2006-11-22 08:21:59 · answer #1 · answered by Svartalf 6 · 3⤊ 0⤋
Is that sexual harassment? Sure. Is it actionable? No.
For non quid-pro-quo harassment to be actionable (in other words, for all other conduct except asking for sexual favors in exchange for advancement, a promotion, job perks, or to keep your job, etc.) you have to prove that you're in a "hostile work environment." That means you have to prove that the harassment is "severe and pervasive." While one piece of conduct can sometimes constitute "severe and pervasive," one fairly innocuous comment such as "why don't you take your clothes off" is not.
Further, if your business has a sexual harrasment policy, and you did not report this conduct (and/or they took reasonable action based upon your report) any claim against them may be barred.
Feel free to contact an attorney, or the EEOC, but I'm not sure you'll get any other answer.
(What were your damages?)
2006-11-22 08:31:59 · answer #2 · answered by Perdendosi 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It could be considered sexual harassment. But...it could have just been a slip of the tongue. Has he done or said things before that have made you feel harassed? If this is a one time thing I would just pass it off as an honest, but stupid, mistake on his part.
Haven't we all said something we've regretted?
2006-11-22 08:30:31 · answer #3 · answered by Shalvia 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It may be sexual Harassment, but, it does not sound major. that is the problem with everyone today, they take office joking (not hard core harassment) and try to make a issue of it. I bet if they disallowed lawsuits over it, it would never be mentioned.
2006-11-22 08:26:51 · answer #4 · answered by Common Sense 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If an incident happens just once, it's normally not considered sexual harassment, unless it's particularly blatant. Sexual harassment also stipulates the advance is unwelcomed. If this happens again, you should tell your boss clearly it makes you uncomfortable. If it repeats itself after that, it becomes harassment.
2006-11-22 08:22:14 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hi you. I think it borders on it. That would depend if it happens again. When guys make comments like that, it's best to go completely neutral in your demeanor, do not respond. If it comes up again, then I would suggest you tell him it makes you uncomfortable. Beyond that, if it continues, go over his head to his supervisor.
There's a line between harassment and joking, it can be a very thin line.
2006-11-22 08:22:02 · answer #6 · answered by Rich B 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Legally, no, it is not sexual harassment. In order for it to be sexual harassment, it must be a series of unwanted advances. Since both you both agreed it was hot, that is not considered an unwanted advance. When he asked you to take your clothes off, that was an unwanted advance, but when you registered your opposition, and he did not make another advance, it did not rise to the definition of sexual harassment.
2006-11-22 08:34:47 · answer #7 · answered by Big Super 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes that was a dumb thing to say but you know he probably spoke without thinking. As long as this does not happened again, for now it is not Harassment. It's best to confront this situation on the spot.
2006-11-22 08:22:06 · answer #8 · answered by Roger89 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Yes it is, even though to me it wouldn't be a big deal, I can handle myself pretty well and as long its a joke, joke back and tell him to take his off first. Are you alone with him in the office? If so, next time tell him you don't appreciate those sayings and to stop it.
2006-11-22 08:27:54 · answer #9 · answered by Mightymo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is most definatly sexual harrasment... You can go to him and say that while it was probably meant as a joke what he said made you feel uncomfortable and you dont want it to happen again. That should get the message out. If it happens again after you've warned him report it
2006-11-22 08:26:28 · answer #10 · answered by Kristin Pregnant with #4 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋