Legal Question in Sexual Harassment in Pennsylvania

I work at a job where I constantly hear the word "faggot"...most days a dozen times or more. I am a gay male, and never has the word been aimed directly at me. I do find it difficult to go to work in the morning, because I know I'll be hearing that awful term all day long. Is that harassment, or is it considered a hostile work environment? Or am I just being overly sensitive? I've think of quitting every day, but I need this job.


Asked on 8/02/10, 9:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Daniel Cevallos Cevallos & Wong, LLP

You MAY have a claim, but you MUST report this activity to HR or to your boss. If your boss is saying the f-word, then find out who is above him. Preferably you should report this by e-mail (in writing, with a record). Under the law, an employer is not held liable for discrimination or hostile environment that it doesn't "know" about. So, until you make the effort to notify them in writing of the hostile environment, they haven't been given an opportunity to correct it. If they fail to correct it, THAT's when you will likely have a claim.

Read more
Answered on 8/09/10, 10:14 am


Related Questions & Answers

More Sexual Harassment Law questions and answers in Pennsylvania