In the modern workplace, people undergo their workday under the assumption that it will be free of sexual harassment. We presume that when harassing behavior contains sexual connotations, that sexual harassment laws protect us. This is not always the case.
Title VII of the Civil Rights Act1 prohibits two forms of workplace sex-discrimination: quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment. Quid pro quo harassment usually receives Title VII protections. Hostile workplace environment harassment, however, tends to be more difficult to prove, especially in same-sex harassment cases. As such, the protection of Title VII does not always shelter everyone.
