Which statement best defines sexual harassment?

Which statement best defines sexual harassment?

• A. An unwelcome sexual advance
• B. Any unwelcome conduct that is not sexual
• C. A mutual, consensual relationship
• D. A one-time joke

Answer: (A)

Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual behavior that affects the work environment. The statement that best defines it is an unwelcome sexual advance, because it centers on the essential element: the behavior is sexual and unwanted. Harassment can include a range of actions beyond an advance—comments, gestures, or pressure of a sexual nature—that are unwelcome and create a hostile or intimidating workplace. The other options miss this core idea: an unwelcome conduct that isn’t sexual isn’t sexual harassment, a mutual, consensual relationship isn’t harassment, and a one-time joke is too narrow a description to define the behavior in all cases.

Sexual harassment involves unwanted sexual behavior that affects the work environment. The statement that best defines it is an unwelcome sexual advance, because it centers on the essential element: the behavior is sexual and unwanted. Harassment can include a range of actions beyond an advance—comments, gestures, or pressure of a sexual nature—that are unwelcome and create a hostile or intimidating workplace.

The other options miss this core idea: an unwelcome conduct that isn’t sexual isn’t sexual harassment, a mutual, consensual relationship isn’t harassment, and a one-time joke is too narrow a description to define the behavior in all cases.