The Harasser's Intent Is Irrelevant

It doesn't matter whether the alleged harasser intended to harass the victim. The conduct is evaluated from the victim's perspective. Many offenders may be completely unaware of how their actions are being perceived.

For example, regardless of whether the victim is male or female, courts apply a "reasonable person standard," asking whether a reasonable person would have found the conduct in question so severe and pervasive that it created a hostile environment.