EEOC Files Lawsuit Against North Dakota Company for Harassing Employee Over His Sexual Orientation

January 21, 2017

On Dec. 22, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced a lawsuit against Rocky Mountain Casing Company for sexual harassment.

According to the EEOC, the company subjected a male employee to harassment because of his male sex and his sexual orientation. The employee was apparently called offensive and homophobic slurs were made by fellow employees and his manager.

The male employee complained about the abuse, but the company failed to take action. Conduct of this nature violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.

This is the first case EEOC has filed in North Dakota that charges an employer with allegations of subjecting a male employee to sexual harassment based on his sexual orientation.

Employment discrimination based on an employee’s sexual orientation or gender identity might be obvious in some cases, and subtle in others. However, each case must involve some type of discriminatory action taken because the employee was gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual, or transgender. This includes failing to hire or promote a person because they are in a same-sex relationship, firing someone for being gay, threatening an employee because of their sexual orientation, making rude or offensive jokes and other abusive behavior.

Have you suffered workplace discrimination or sexual harassment because of your sexual orientation or gender identity? If you were fired or not hired because of your sexual orientation, we can help. Call our Florida Sexual Harassment Lawyers at Whittel & Melton today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online for a free consultation.