Harris v. Forklift Systems, Incorporated

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Outlined the definition of a gender-discriminatory hostile work environment under Title VII.

Full Case Title: 

Harris v. Forklift Systems, Inc., 510 U.S. 17 (1993)
  • Workplace Equality and Economic Empowerment

Year: 

1993
  • Authored Amicus Brief

Brief: 

Harris filed a sexual harassment suit against her employer, claiming that the harassment created an abusive work environment.  Her employer countered that the harassment did not harm her psychologically and therefore did not violate Title VII.  The district court agreed, as did the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals.

The Supreme Court ruled that "abusive work environment" harassment is actionable under Title VII even if it the harassment does not "seriously affect [an employee's] psychological well being." The case was reversed and remanded.