Join a thread, start a thread -- it's your chance to sound off!
Court To Consider Harassment Issue
By RICHARD CARELLIAssociated Press Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) Setting the stage for an important ruling on sexual harassment, the Supreme Court today agreed to clarify just when employers may be held responsible for the misconduct of an employee's supervisor.
The court said it will use the case of a former Florida lifeguard to give judges nationwide more guidance on employer liability for the "hostile work environment" created by a supervisor's sexual harassment.
A decision, expected by July, could spell out the circumstances under which an employee illegally harassed by a supervisor can collect monetary damages from not only the offender, but from their employer's usually deeper pockets.
Federal appeals courts have disagreed over the standards for assessing employer liability in such cases.
(14 Nov 1997 14:59 EST)