Which of the following statements is true regarding the legality of punishing someone for complaining about harassment?

• A. There are no laws protecting individuals who complain about harassment.
• B. It is legal to punish someone for complaining about harassment if the complaint is not proven.
• C. Punishing someone for complaining about harassment is allowed in certain workplaces.
• D. It is against the law to punish someone for complaining about harassment.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Step 1: Understand the concept of 'retaliation' in the context of workplace harassment. Retaliation refers to punishing or discriminating against someone for reporting harassment or participating in an investigation.
2. Step 2: Recognize that laws such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act in the U.S. protect employees from retaliation when they make a good faith complaint about harassment, regardless of whether the complaint is ultimately proven.
3. Step 3: Analyze the statements given and identify which align with legal protections. For example, the statement that 'There are no laws protecting individuals who complain about harassment' is false because anti-retaliation laws exist.
4. Step 4: Note that punishing someone for complaining about harassment is illegal in all workplaces covered by these laws, so statements suggesting it is legal or allowed in certain workplaces are incorrect.
5. Step 5: Conclude that the true statement is the one affirming it is against the law to punish someone for complaining about harassment, reflecting the legal protections designed to encourage reporting and prevent retaliation.