What constitutes disability-related harassment?

In Texas, disability-related harassment is considered any unwelcome conduct based on an individual’s disability that creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment or interferes with their work performance. This conduct can take many forms, such as verbal abuse, exclusion from activities or events, physical assaults, name-calling, graffiti, or other harmful behavior. The key to consider is whether the conduct is based on disability and is unwelcome. Harassment can include a wide range of behaviors, including comments, jokes, threats, gestures, pranks, or any type of hostile actions or language related to a person’s disability. If the behavior is severe or pervasive enough that it creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment, or interferes with an individual’s work performance, then it can be considered harassment. It is important to note that the focus should be on any action or conduct related to an individual’s disability, not the individual themselves. For example, teasing an employee with a disability because of the way they walk would not necessarily be considered harassment. However, teasing an employee because of their disability-related medical equipment or physical impairments would be considered harassment. It is also important to remember that disability-related harassment is illegal in Texas, and it is the responsibility of employers and supervisors to create a safe and comfortable environment for all employees. If any individual believes they are a victim of disability-related harassment, they should contact the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) to file a complaint.

Related FAQs

What is a section 504 plan?
Can employers terminate an employee due to a disability?
Are any special rules for disabled students in public schools?
What are my rights as a disabled employee?
What is an individualized education plan (IEP)?
Are employers allowed to ask questions about a person’s disability during a job interview?
Are there any special laws regarding disabilities in the workplace?
What is the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act of 2008?
What are the rights of people with mental health disabilities in the workplace?
Are employers required to provide reasonable leave time to disabled employees?

What constitutes disability-related harassment?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts