What is Sexual Harassment under Tennessee Law?
The laws of Tennessee define sexual harassment as any unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature, including acts of either a verbal or physical nature. Some types of sexual harassment that are most commonly committed by an employer include exchanging favoritism for sexual favors, the creation of a hostile work environment of a sexual nature, and sexual advances.
How does Tennessee Law Prohibit Sexual Harassment?
First, Chattanooga employers can be required to implement company policies that specifically address sexual harassment in the workplace. These must be posted in a visible area such as a break room. Company polices might include such matters as contact information to be used in reporting sexual harassment, filing procedures, and remedial measures in the event that a claim is proven to be true.
The laws of the state of Tennessee and federal law have both appointed agencies with the authority to investigate sexual harassment claims. These agencies conduct investigations at a given Chattanooga work site in order to verify if a complaint that they have received is true or not. Employers are also prohibited under these laws from taking action in retaliation against an employee who has claimed sexual harassment, such as firing them or denying them a promotion.
How can a Tennessee attorney help?
Investigating and proving a sexual harassment claim might be difficult without consulting someone with expertise in the relevant laws. It's fairly common for federal officials who investigate these matters to be overworked. Therefore, hiring an attorney in Chattanooga can be the safest way to file your claim within the deadlines for sexual harassment claims that Tennessee has defined.
