“I Was Fired for Not Sleeping with My Boss. Is This Legal?”
For many people that may seem like an easy enough question to answer; however, not all that long ago in the United States sexual harassment in the workplace was fairly common and relatively well accepted as something employees (mainly women) had to put up with in the workplace.
Fortunately, things began to change during the Civil Rights decade of the 1960s.
Sexual harassment in the workplace is now illegal under both federal law and the laws of the State of Florida.
Unfortunately, as our Florida sexual harassment attorneys see all too often, that does not mean it never happens.
In fact, it still occurs far more often than most people realize – or want to admit. Moreover, a surprising number of people are not aware that sexual harassment in the workplace is not just inappropriate – it is illegal.
In the U.S., both state and federal laws protect workers in the workplace from unfair or discriminatory employment practices, including sexual harassment.
Specifically, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Florida Civil Rights Act both prohibit sexual harassment in any aspect of employment.
The term “sexual harassment” can cover a wide range of conduct, including unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature.
Typically, harassment becomes illegal when it is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile or offensive work environment or when it results in an adverse employment decision.
These two types of sexual harassment are known as “hostile work environment” sexual harassment and “Quid pro quo” sexual harassment.
In this case, being fired for refusing to sleep with your boss would certainly qualify as an “adverse employment decision,” a form of quid pro quo sexual harassment.
If you were fired for refusing to sleep with your boss you should consult with an experienced Florida employment law attorney right away. As a victim, you may be entitled to monetary damages.
A successful Title VII plaintiff, for example, can be awarded compensatory and punitive damages, attorneys’ fees and costs, and interest.
The amount of damages you may be awarded will depend on a number of factors, including the size of your employer and whether you file your complaint in federal or state court. The best way to find out whether you have the basis for a lawsuit, and what your case may be worth if you do, is to contact the experienced Florida employment law attorneys at Celler Legal, P.A.