Gregory invariably yells at all of his employees, calling them "stupid," "idiot", "doofus" or similar terms. However, when he shouts at his female staff members, he usually adds an additional word such as "bitch," "whore" or some obscene reference to the female anatomy. Adrianne is fed up with this behavior and decides to file an EEO complaint.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Gregory's use of obscenities and derogatory terms directed specifically towards women constitutes gender-based hostility, which is a form of discrimination recognized by the EEOC. The fact that he also yells at male employees does not excuse his behavior towards female employees, as the law recognizes that a hostile work environment can be created by behavior that affects one particular group (in this case, women) even if it is not limited to that group. Adrianne's complaint would be analyzed to determine whether the behavior she experienced was severe, pervasive, and objectively offensive. The fact that other female employees have not complained about the behavior is not determinative, as victims of harassment may be reluctant to come forward for a variety of reasons.

Gregory Invariably Yells at All of His Employees, Calling Them