Final answer:
An example of harassment by non-supervisors with potential employer liability arises when an employer negligently allows a customer's repeated unwelcome sexual advances to create a hostile work environment for an employee. Employers are directly liable if they are negligent in preventing or addressing such harassment.
Step-by-step explanation:
An example of harassment by non-supervisors where direct liability might apply if the employer is negligent could involve a situation where a customer repeatedly makes unwelcome sexual advances towards an employee. Despite the employee's complaints, the employer fails to intervene appropriately, leading to a work environment that is intimidating, hostile, or offensive for the employee.
An employer's negligence in such a case could mean they did not take reasonable care to prevent harassment or failed to take corrective action once harassment was reported. This negligence can lead to direct liability for the employer if it results in a hostile work environment or other adverse employment actions, such as the victim being fired or demoted.
It is important to note that harassment can be based on different protected classes, such as race, national origin, religion, or age, and is not limited solely to sexual harassment. Employers are by law responsible for maintaining a harassment-free workplace and may face consequences for not doing so.