Severe Conduct

Pervasive Conduct

Hostile Work Environment:

Severe or Pervasive

For conduct to be considered harassment, it generally must also be either severe or pervasive. So for example, a single severe incident, such as unwelcome groping or the use of race or sex-based threats could be considered harassment.

And a pattern of less severe inappropriate behavior that persists over time, such as teasing, taunting, or making sexual jokes, could also be considered harassment.

NOTE: For New York City and New York State employees, harassment does not need to be severe or pervasive in order for it to be legally actionable.