• 21
  • September
    2011

When most people think of sexual harassment, they probably think of a male boss harassing a younger female employee. However, this is not always the case. Other forms of sexual harassment can involve male employees being sexually harassed in the same destructive manner. Sexual harassment is illegal, regardless of whether the victim is male or female.

Two male workers were the subject of sexual humiliation and verbal abuse. Apparently, the two employees were targeted for discrimination and harassment based on their national origin - they are Mixtec, an indigenous group from Oaxaca, Mexico.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) brought a lawsuit on behalf of the two men because their supervisor and other co-workers at an Oregon tree farm exposed themselves and made derogatory sexual comments to the Mixtec employees. Co-workers were also accused of grabbing the male victim's buttocks and chest, sometimes even simulating anal sex.

The two employees were also harassed based on their national origin. The supervisor and the co-workers made fun of them for being Mixtec and for their accent, calling them names and ridiculing them.

As a result of the lawsuit, the employer has agreed to implement measures to prevent future sexual harassment and discrimination based on national origin. These measures include:

  • A zero-tolerance harassment policy
  • Anti-discrimination training for all employees to be conducted in Spanish
  • Required reporting to the EEOC on harassment complaints
  • Posting a notice regarding this sexual harassment and national origin discrimination lawsuit

In addition, the two Mixtec workers will be able to collect $110,000 in compensation for the harassment and discrimination that they suffered.

All California employees, whether male or female, have the right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment, discrimination, hostility and ridicule. Supervisors must be held accountable for abuses of power and for failure to protect vulnerable employees, regardless of their gender.

Source: EEOC Press Release, "Woodburn Tree Farm Settles EEOC Lawsuit for Sexual and Ethnic Harassment," Sept. 13, 2011