Example: Pat's Posters

Please read the below Scenario to test your knowledge.

"Pat's Posters"

Pat's taste in office decorations includes several large pictures of men in suggestive poses, wearing very few clothes. A co-worker, Jordan, complains to their supervisor that the images are inappropriate to the office. The supervisor promises to address the issue. Pat takes the images down.

However, a few weeks later, Jordan begins receiving postcards showing naked men in campus mail. Jordan contacts the Office of Human Resources to file a complaint. The Director of Human Resources expresses surprise that there were any issues at all in the department. 

This example raises several issues.

1. The posters would likely be considered a sign of a hostile work environment, a form of sexual harassment.
2. The original complaint was handled within the department. However, Pat and Jordan's supervisor should have reported it to the Office of Human Resources, regardless of how it was handled.
3. The appearance of the postcards would constitute further harassment, a form of retaliatory behavior.