Sexual harassment is prohibited by federal and state laws in Kansas. Yet workers in Kansas still frequently experience sexual harassment that puts them at risk of adverse employment outcomes, job termination, harm to their careers, and significant personal pain and suffering. Learn more about sexual harassment and your rights as a victim in Kansas during a free and confidential case review at DRZ Law.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment describes any inappropriate, unwelcome or nonconsensual physical advances or sexual comments, typically in a workplace or professional setting. Any type of unwanted physical or verbal sexual attention can constitute sexual harassment, including touching, groping, jokes or innuendos, massages, propositions, or pornographic materials.
Workplace sexual harassment specifically refers to unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when done as a condition of an individual’s employment. This issue can lead to adverse employment action taken against the victim, such as job termination, in addition to emotional distress.
Kansas Law Prohibits Sexual Harassment
The Kansas Act Against Discrimination (Section 44-1001 of the Kansas Revised Statutes) prohibits discrimination, segregation or separation based on an individual’s race, religion, color, sex, disability, national origin or ancestry. This rule applies to matters of housing, employment and public accommodation. It protects the civil right of every citizen to have equal opportunities without regard to his or her sex or another protected attribute.
Kansas laws against sexual harassment and discrimination have specific provisions in place that protect employees. While Kansas does not require employers to provide sexual harassment training, unlike in many other states, it is still highly recommended. If an employee is guilty of sexual harassment or discrimination, the company may be held responsible (liable) and could face an expensive lawsuit for the misconduct of one or more workers.
Federal Sexual Harassment Laws
Employers, companies and other parties in Kansas do not only have the responsibility of obeying the state’s sexual harassment laws; they must also follow all applicable federal laws that prohibit harassment and discrimination. These laws include:
- Section 1604.11 of the Code of Federal Regulations: states that harassment on the basis of sex in the workplace is a violation of the law for which an employer may be held responsible.
- Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964: prohibits employment discrimination based on sex and other protected classes, including race and religion.
- Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972: protects against harassment and discrimination based on sex, gender expression, gender identity and sexual orientation in educational settings.
If a company or individual violates any of these federal laws, the victim may have grounds to file a lawsuit for sexual harassment in pursuit of financial compensation. This could lead to a payout for the victim’s related lost wages, medical bills, counseling, and pain and suffering.
Legal Options for Victims of Sexual Harassment in Kansas
If you have been unlawfully harassed in the workplace based on your sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender identity, contact and consult with our sexual abuse lawyers at DRZ Law. Our attorneys can analyze your situation to help you understand your rights. You may be entitled to financial compensation from your employer, a housing authority, a financial institution or another party for discriminating against you or harassing you based on sex. We will help you navigate state and federal sexual harassment laws in Kansas.