Understanding and Preventing Sexual Harassment in the Workplace

1. Sexy calendars on workplace walls are considered personal items and therefore are not classified as sexual harassment.

True: Sexy calendars on workplace walls only affect individuals who are sensitive and should not be a concern for others.

True: Sexy calendars on workplace walls can be found offensive by a reasonable person contributing to a hostile work envrionment.

True: Sexy calendars on workplace walls are a form of free expression and should not be restricted.

True: Sexy calendars on workplace walls are harmless decorations and do not impact the work environment.

Despite being personal items, sexy calendars on workplace walls can create a hostile work environment and contribute to sexual harassment. It is important to be sensitive to the potential impact on others and maintain a professional workplace environment.

Explanation

Despite being personal items, sexy calendars on workplace walls can create a hostile work environment and contribute to sexual harassment. It is important to be sensitive to the potential impact on others and maintain a professional workplace environment.

2. Is it acceptable to ask a co-worker out on a date?

False: Only if you are in a position of authority over the co-worker should you ask them out.

False: If the co-worker says no initially, it is okay to keep asking until they agree.

False: It is never appropriate to ask a co-worker out on a date.

It is generally acceptable to ask a co-worker out on a date, but it is important to respect their answer and not continue to ask if they decline. Workplace relationships should be approached with care and professionalism.

Explanation

It is generally acceptable to ask a co-worker out on a date, but it is important to respect their answer and not continue to ask if they decline. Workplace relationships should be approached with care and professionalism.

3. Can men be victims of sexual harassment?

False: Men are not considered victims of sexual harassment.

False: Men do not have legal protection against sexual harassment.

False: Sexual harassment only happens to women.

True: Men can be victims of sexual harassment and have equal rights under the law.

It is important to recognize that men can indeed be victims of sexual harassment and should be protected under the law just like women. Gender should not determine the validity of a sexual harassment claim.

Explanation

It is important to recognize that men can indeed be victims of sexual harassment and should be protected under the law just like women. Gender should not determine the validity of a sexual harassment claim.

4. Is it true that sexual harassment cannot happen in a school district?

False: Sexual harassment can happen anywhere.

True: School districts have strict policies against sexual harassment.

True: School employees are trained to prevent sexual harassment.

True: Students are unlikely to engage in sexual harassment in a school setting.

Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that can occur in any environment, including school districts. It is important for school districts to have policies and procedures in place to address and prevent sexual harassment.

Explanation

Sexual harassment is a pervasive issue that can occur in any environment, including school districts. It is important for school districts to have policies and procedures in place to address and prevent sexual harassment.

5. Inappropriate behavior isn't wrong or illegal (i.e. 'they joke like that with everyone') unless it's intended as sexual harassment.

True: Intentions are the only thing that matter in determining appropriateness of behavior.

False: Only the legal system can determine if behavior is inappropriate.

True: Only actions that result in harm can be classified as inappropriate behavior.

False: Perception takes precendence over intention.

False: Inappropriate behavior is always wrong regardless of perception or intention.

The correct answer emphasizes that perception of inappropriate behavior is more important than the intention behind it. Behavior can be deemed inappropriate even if the intention wasn't malicious, as it can still cause harm or discomfort to others.

Explanation

The correct answer emphasizes that perception of inappropriate behavior is more important than the intention behind it. Behavior can be deemed inappropriate even if the intention wasn't malicious, as it can still cause harm or discomfort to others.

6. It generally takes several incidents over a period of time to fully establish a hostile work environment.

True: A hostile work environment is usually created by pervasive and repeated offensive conduct over time.

False: A hostile work environment is solely determined by the intentions of the offending party.

False: A hostile work environment can be established immediately after a single incident.

False: A hostile work environment can only be recognized if physical harm is involved.

A hostile work environment is typically characterized by a pattern of behavior that is ongoing and severe enough to create an uncomfortable or intimidating work environment. It is not solely dependent on a single incident, the intentions of the offending party, or the presence of physical harm.

Explanation

A hostile work environment is typically characterized by a pattern of behavior that is ongoing and severe enough to create an uncomfortable or intimidating work environment. It is not solely dependent on a single incident, the intentions of the offending party, or the presence of physical harm.

7. The standard for determining offensive behavior is based upon the beliefs of a reasonable person.

False: Offensive behavior is only relevant if it causes physical harm to someone.

False: Offensive behavior is solely determined by the individual's personal beliefs.

False: The standard for offensive behavior is subjective and varies greatly among different cultures.

The correct answer emphasizes that the determiner for offensive behavior is the perception of a reasonable person, specifically when it comes to behavior of a sexual nature being considered as sexual harassment. This sets a standard that takes into account societal norms and expectations rather than an individual's subjective beliefs.

Explanation

The correct answer emphasizes that the determiner for offensive behavior is the perception of a reasonable person, specifically when it comes to behavior of a sexual nature being considered as sexual harassment. This sets a standard that takes into account societal norms and expectations rather than an individual's subjective beliefs.

8. An employee observed another employee being harassed. Even though the situation involved a co-worker, the observer can be considered a victim in this case.

False: Observers of harassment are not considered victims.

False: Only the person directly harassed can be considered a victim.

False: Harassment does not affect observers in any way.

In a situation where harassment is observed, the person witnessing the behavior can also be considered a victim due to the impact it has on them, even if they were not the direct target of the harassment.

Explanation

In a situation where harassment is observed, the person witnessing the behavior can also be considered a victim due to the impact it has on them, even if they were not the direct target of the harassment.