Veronica has a sticky note on the upper left corner of her laptop. Veronica is speaking with two members of Human Resorces management.

Case Study Two

All of the Drama

Over the course of one month Veronica has received numerous emails and handwritten notes from employees suggesting she stop using the women’s restroom. Veronica believes the messages are demeaning and a direct result of her self-identifying as a woman.

She plans to submit a worksite transfer request in an effort to get away from all of the drama.

More information about the terms used on this slide can be found in the glossary.

Does the behavior of Veronica’s coworkers constitute sexual harassment?

The correct answer IS YES

The demeaning messages suggesting Veronica use the women’s restroom are directly related to her self-identifying as a woman, or her gender identity. Also, the conduct of her coworkers has created a hostile work environment to the point in which Veronica is willing to transfer to a different worksite to avoid the harassment. Equal access must be provided to restroom facilities that correspond to the employee’s gender identity or gender expression and employees must be allowed to use the restroom of the gender with which they identify. More information about the terms used on this slide can be found in the glossary.