Sexual Harassment unlawful in the workplace

By: Ricardo E. Calderon©

“Sexual harassment is unwelcome, offensive conduct of a sexual nature that makes someone uncomfortable or embarrassed,” said Jennifer S. Swisher, Director of Human Resources of SeeKing HR of San Antonio, Texas. Swisher presented a Sexual Harassment training seminar sponsored by the Sul Ross State University-Rio Grande Small Business Development Center on Tuesday, December 11, 2012.

Sexual harassment is unlawful in the workplace according to Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 and other federal and state laws, said Swisher. Sexual harassment should not be tolerated in the workplace by all businesses, governmental entities, health care providers, private and public non-profit organizations, and individuals, added Swisher.

Any sexual harassment should be immediately reported by an employee and/or victim to their immediate supervisor, human resources director, chief executive officer, president, and/or law enforcement. All employers are required to investigate sexual harassment complaints from employees. Sexual harassment victims should follow their employers’ procedures for sexual harassment complaints, file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and retain legal counsel to represent them.

Employers may be held liable for civil damages to employees who successfully prove sexual harassment complaints in the workplace. Employers also lose valuable employees, productivity, profits, and much more when sexual harassment occurs in the workplace. All employers should have reporting, investigative, and result procedures for sexual harassment complaints in the workplace.

The SRSU-RGC Small Business Development Center sexual harassment seminar was a great success and provided valuable information to its participants. Maricela Brown, SBDC Business Training Specialist, organized this critical and much needed sexual harassment training seminar in the community.