Quid Pro Quo Harassment
What does "Quid Pro Quo Harassment" mean in law?
Quid pro quo harassment is a form of sexual harassment under Title VII in which a supervisor or person in authority conditions an employment benefit (such as a promotion, raise, or continued employment) on the subordinate's submission to unwelcome sexual conduct. The Latin phrase means 'this for that,' reflecting the transactional nature of the harassment. To establish a claim, the plaintiff must show that (1) submission to the sexual conduct was made a term or condition of employment, or (2) an employment decision was based on the plaintiff's acceptance or rejection of such conduct. Unlike hostile work environment claims, a single incident of quid pro quo harassment is sufficient, and the employer faces strict vicarious liability when a tangible employment action results.
Definition
Quid pro quo harassment is a form of sexual harassment under Title VII in which a supervisor or person in authority conditions an employment benefit (such as a promotion, raise, or continued employment) on the subordinate's submission to unwelcome sexual conduct. The Latin phrase means 'this for that,' reflecting the transactional nature of the harassment. To establish a claim, the plaintiff must show that (1) submission to the sexual conduct was made a term or condition of employment, or (2) an employment decision was based on the plaintiff's acceptance or rejection of such conduct. Unlike hostile work environment claims, a single incident of quid pro quo harassment is sufficient, and the employer faces strict vicarious liability when a tangible employment action results.
Example
A manager who tells a subordinate that she will receive a favorable performance review only if she agrees to go on a date with him has engaged in quid pro quo harassment.