Under U.S. federal law, harassment based on race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation and gender identity), national origin, age (40+), disability or genetic information is a form of employment discrimination.
1. Key points
Harassment is illegal when it is severe or pervasive enough to create a hostile work environment, or when it leads to an adverse employment decision.
Retaliation for reporting discrimination is also illegal.
Deadlines apply: a charge usually must be filed with the EEOC within 180 days (300 days in many states).
Keep notes: dates, what happened, witnesses.
2. Reporting
Use your employer's reporting process in writing and keep a copy. You can also contact the EEOC.
References
officialHarassment — U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission
