How does the EEOC define harassment?

The definition of harassment according to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) centers around unwelcome conduct that is directly tied to a person's membership in a protected class, such as race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetic information. This conduct can adversely affect employment decisions, such as promotions or job assignments, or it can create a hostile work environment, where an employee's ability to perform their job is compromised due to intimidation, threat, or humiliation.

This definition highlights the importance of how the behavior is perceived by the recipient; it must be unwelcome and based on a characteristic that is protected by law. It emphasizes not only the nature of the behavior but also its impact on the workplace, which makes it distinct from merely "inappropriate comments" or "minor offenses," as these do not necessarily connect to the serious implications of discrimination and workplace hostility.

Other options do not address the key elements of harassment as defined by the EEOC, such as the requirement that the conduct must relate to a protected class or the significant impact it must have on employment conditions. The essence of harassment under EEOC guidelines is grounded in the notion of protection and respect in the workplace, ensuring that all employees can work without undue emotional