Sexist Words

Sexual harassment in the workplace is a type of sexual discrimination. It can take a number of different forms including unwelcome touching, sexual humor, sexual assault and name-calling. Another type of behavior at work that could be deemed as sexual harassment is the use of sexist words. Sexist words are words or phrases that are used in a way that is meant to demean or stereotype a person or a group of people. The use of sexist words in the workplace may create an environment of sexual harassment. While people commonly think of women as being the victims of sexist words, the reality is that members of either gender can be victims of such language. Despite the fact that sex discrimination laws have been around for many years, sexual harassment and sex discrimination continue to plague the workplace. Those who sexually harass employees by the use of sexist words or in any other manner face serious consequences. Furthermore, the victims of sexual harassment are entitled to hold those who harass accountable by seeking compensation through a civil claim. If you are in need of an employment lawyer because you have suffered sexual harassment by the use of sexist words, it is important that you immediately contact an experienced Los Angeles Sexist Words Lawyer who will make sure your employer is held accountable for violating the law.

Under California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), sexual harassment in the workplace is prohibited. FEHA is enforced by California's Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH). Similarly, Title VII of the federal Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employers from discriminating against employees on the basis of sex. Sexual harassment is a form of sexual discrimination. Title VII applies to employers with 15 or more employees, including state and local governments. It also applies to employment agencies and to labor organizations, as well as to the federal government. It is enforced by the Equal Employee Opportunity Commission.

Whether or not a word is sexist depends on the context in which the word is used.

• Using a sexist term to refer to an employee instead of using that person’s name. For example, referring to a female employee as “babe” or “girl,” or referring to a male employee as “dude” or “boy.”
• Making jokes about women’s or men’s role in the workplace. For example, stating that women should stay at home or that they should get coffee for the male employees.
• Referring to an employee by a physical attribute instead of by name. For example, “the blonde,” the woman with the “big breasts,” or the man with the “nice abs.”

In order for the use of sexist words or terms to rise to the level of sexual harassment or discrimination, the use of the term would need to be more frequently that an occasional isolated incident. The use of the sexist language would have to be frequent enough to create a hostile working environment. To prove a pattern of behavior involving the use of sexist language, it is important to keep records of each time the sexist language was used over a period of time.

If you suffered sexual harassment in the workplace you have the right to file a complaint with the DFEH or the EEOC in order to hold the harassing party accountable for his or her actions. The consequences of violating the state or federal sexual harassment rules are severe including:

• The employer or employee may have to pay the victim compensation including lost wages and punitive damages
• The employer may have to hire or reinstate the victim
• The employer may have to pay fines and penalties
• The employer may have to enact changes in the polices or practices in order to prevent future violations of the law

If you have been subjected to sexist words and comments in your workplace you may have experienced sexual harassment. It is important to contact an experienced employment lawyer to discuss your options for filing a claim. It is important that you do so immediately as there are time limits for filing sex harassment claims. The staff at VAKILI & LEUS, LLP has years of experience successfully representing clients in a variety of employment related cases including wage-and-hour claims, employment discrimination and other employment law violations. Contact us at 1-855-52LA-LAW (1-855-525-2529) to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your concerns related to your employment.