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True or false, whether a behavior is sexual harassment is judged based on the reaction of a reasonable person who is offended by any mildly sexual comment?

1) True
2) False

User Isla
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1 Answer

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Final answer:

The idea that sexual harassment is judged solely by the offense taken to mildly sexual comments by a reasonable person is a false option (2).

Step-by-step explanation:

The statement is false. Whether a behavior is considered sexual harassment is not solely judged by the reaction of any reasonable person who is offended by any mildly sexual comment. Instead, sexual harassment involves conduct that is unwelcome, sexual in nature, and impacts a person's employment or work performance, or creates a hostile work environment.

It's not just based on whether a reasonably offended person would find a mildly sexual comment inappropriate. Situations are often assessed in context, including the severity of the behavior, whether it's repeated, and if it creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work or educational environment.

It's also important to understand that sexual harassment policies are established by institutions like schools and workplaces, and these can include outright bans on certain behaviors, such as any sexual contact between people in different positions of power, or requirements that individuals opt out of supervisory roles if involved sexually.

Repeated offenses or severe single incidents can constitute harassment beyond just mildly offensive comments.

User Brandx
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