Which of the following statements about workplace sexual harassment is accurate according to U.S. law?

• A. Quid pro quo sexual harassment is illegal, but hostile environment harassment is not.
• B. Neither quid pro quo nor hostile environment harassment is addressed by U.S. law.
• C. Both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment are illegal forms of discrimination.
• D. Only hostile environment harassment is considered illegal under federal law.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand the two main types of workplace sexual harassment recognized under U.S. law: quid pro quo harassment and hostile environment harassment.
2. Recall that quid pro quo harassment occurs when job benefits are directly tied to sexual favors, while hostile environment harassment involves unwelcome conduct that creates an intimidating or offensive work atmosphere.
3. Recognize that both forms of harassment are prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which makes discrimination based on sex illegal in the workplace.
4. Evaluate each statement in the problem by comparing it to the legal protections provided by Title VII, noting that both quid pro quo and hostile environment harassment are illegal.
5. Conclude that the accurate statement is the one affirming that both quid pro quo and hostile environment sexual harassment are illegal forms of discrimination under U.S. law.