One form of harassment that is prohibited by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Title VII) (www.practicallaw.com/0-501-7062) and state law equivalents. Hostile work environment claims arise when an employee alleges that the workplace is characterized by harassment that is:
Unwelcome.
Because of protected class (www.practicallaw.com/5-501-5857) status.
Attributable to the employer.
Severe or pervasive enough to change the conditions of employment and create an abusive environment, judged by both:
an objective standard (that is, any reasonable person would find the conduct abusive); and
a subjective standard (that is, the employee in question found the conduct abusive).
For more information, see Practice Notes: