Aaron sees coworker Celina. Aaron is approached by Celina and three other employees. Aaron is speaking with a supervior about the incident. Aaron is speaking with a supervior about the incident.

Case Study One

Erin with an E

Last weekend Aaron was surprised to bump into Celina, a coworker who just so happens to use the same bank. During a brief conversation, Aaron spoke of being excited about transitioning and the need to save as much money as possible for sex reassignment surgery.

The following workweek Celina approached Aaron and sarcastically said, “It’s Erin with an E, right?” Aaron ignored the question yet appeared to be upset as several employees who overheard the comment laughed out loud. To make matters worse, employees continued to refer to Aaron as “Erin with an E” throughout the day.

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

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

The correct answer IS YES

Celina’s comment was intended to poke fun at Aaron’s gender identity, and the employees who laughed and continued to tease Aaron throughout the day have created a hostile work environment. Unwelcome verbal, written, or physical conduct based on a person’s actual or perceived sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other protected characteristic is prohibited and will not be tolerated. If comfortable doing so, Aaron should tell Celina and the employees involved to stop. The incident should also be reported to a supervisor, manager, or HR. Now let’s move on to our next case study.