What is Harassment?
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If you think that you are being harassed, the first thing you need to do is talk to an adult who you trust. Do not try to handle this situation alone! This person should help you decide whether or not you are being harassed. They can help you decide what to do next. |
It is also important for you to understand what harassment is. If you know the definition of harassment and understand various examples of harassment, it will be easier to figure out if you are being harassed.
Harassment is an offensive and unwanted action that is directed towards someone because of their disability, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, or sexual orientation. Harassment is illegal. This means that those who commit harassment can be punished by law.
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Example: Kara is an employee. One of her co-workers has started flirting with her at work. She has tried to make it clear that she is not interested in him. Now, he has started sending her sexually suggestive emails and texts. These messages say things like, “Wanna’ come over tonight?” and “You are so hot.” This is an example of harassment based on one’s gender—it is sexual harassment.
This is illegal. |
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Example: Shawn is an employee. One of his co-workers believes that Shawn is homosexual. This co-worker has started calling him things like “fairy” and he makes lewd gestures behind Shawn’s back. This is an example of harassment based on one’s sexual orientation.
This is illegal. |
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Example: Joseph is an employee and he is Hispanic. One of his co-workers talks about politics a lot. He often makes rude statements about illegal immigrants whenever Joseph is around. This is an example of harassment based on one’s ethnicity.
This is illegal. |
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Example: Eric is an employee with autism. Some of Eric’s co-workers know that he has autism and they always show him kindness and respect. However, one of his co-workers teases Eric and calls him such terrible names as “retard” and “Rainman.” This is an example of harassment based on one’s disability (autism).
This is illegal. |
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Example: Devon is an employee with autism. One of his co-workers has noticed that Devon sometimes says things in a monotone voice and makes facial expressions that are different. This co-worker has started impersonating Devon. In other words, he has started pretending to be Devon by copying Devon’s gestures and facial expressions. This is an example of harassment based on one’s disability.
This is illegal. |
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- Harassment is an offensive and unwanted action that is directed towards someone because of their disability, ethnicity, religion, national origin, gender, age, sexual orientation, or another legally protected status.
- Harassment is illegal.
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Don’t be the bully or the harasser!
It is also important for you to make sure that you are not intentionally or unintentionally bullying or harassing someone else at work. Some people with autism and other disabilities have trouble reading and displaying certain social cues. This might cause them to do or say things that other people could interpret as bullying or harassment. Read more information about bullying.
