Category: Hostile Work Environment

Exposure to supervisor’s sexual misconduct with others does NOT create Title VII liability

Posted Tom Roberts, Esq.Posted in General, Hostile Work Environment, sexual harassment

Can I sue my employer for a hostile work environment when I witness the boss having sex with a co-worker and giving my co-worker preferential treatment? Probably Not. Under Title VII, an employer is prohibited from discriminating against any individual with respect to his/her compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment because of his/her race, […]

What is a hostile work environment? Are my complaints protected?

Posted Tom Roberts, Esq.Posted in Civil Rights, Employment Law, Hostile Work Environment, Retaliation

Issue # 1: – What constitutes an unlawful hostile work environment under Title VII? Title VII is violated only when the discriminatory conduct is so severe or pervasive that it alters the conditions of employment and creates an abusive working environment.  Simple teasing, offhand comments, and isolated incidents (unless extremely serious) will not amount to […]

Qualified Immunity – 2001 Victory

Posted Tom Roberts, Esq.Posted in Civil Rights, Employment Law, Freedom of Speech and Press, General, Hostile Work Environment

Victory in 4th Circuit Court of Appeals   The law firm of Thomas H. Roberts & Associates, P.C. announced an important victory.  In an unpublished opinion, the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that there the defense of qualified immunity is not available to the government in Title VII cases.  This fact is especially important […]