Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Sexual harassment a serious problem

What defines sexual harassment? Does it mean the same thing to everyone?

Problem is there are so many different ways to define sexual harassment and not everyone looks at it through the same eyes.

Most people know when their toes are being stepped on or when what someone says is totally out of line. You just know. When someone makes you feel uncomfortable or creepy it can really affect your self-esteem.

Sexual harassment is usually thought of as happening at work. There are many other places, though, sexual harassment happens. It does not discriminate against age, race or gender. It can happen to anyone, anytime.

There is however such a thing as discrimination against someone who is or is not as developed as well as someone else.

Is it necessary though to harass a person because of something they were born with?

Some people can wear one outfit that would be considered to be professional and decent. However, someone else differently endowed can make the outfit non-professional or inappropriate.

Is this fair? Is it considered sexual harassment when the endowed person is told the outfit is not to be worn again although there is no specified dress code?

You know when you are being harassed or discriminated against.

You can protect yourself. There are laws to help control sexual harassment.

Laws to protect you from sexual harassment are fairly new. In 1980, the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued regulations defining sexual harassment and stated it was a form of discrimination prohibited by the Civil Rights Act in 1964.

In 1986 the Supreme Court finally ruled sexual harassment was a form of discrimination and held it to be illegal.

Most states have there own fair employment practices laws that prohibit sexual harassment. Most of the state laws can be found to be more strict than federal laws.

If you would like to know more about what Arkansas state laws state about sexual harassment you can call 1-800-669-3362 and ask for the nearest Equal Employment Opportunity Commission office.