Hostile Environment Harassment

Hostile environment harassment is a form of workplace harassment that occurs when unwelcome conduct based on a protected characteristic is severe or pervasive enough to create an intimidating, offensive, or abusive work environment. Unlike quid pro quo harassment, it does not require a specific transactional demand. Under Title VII, the ADA, and the ADEA, employers are liable for hostile environment harassment by supervisors, coworkers, and sometimes third parties when the employer knew or should have known and failed to take prompt corrective action.