Most of the time we think of female plaintiffs bringing sexual harassment claims against their male bosses or colleagues. However, that is not always the case. Men have the same rights as women to file sexual harassment lawsuits.
In fact, a male employee of Kenny Construction Company in Northbrook recently filed a complaint in the Circuit Court of Cook County. The complaint alleges that the employee was subjected to a pattern of sexual harassment by his female supervisor. Specifically, the employee alleges that his supervisor made inappropriate comments, innuendos, requests for dates, gestures and committed other inappropriate acts. The employee claims that when he refused the supervisor’s advances he was denied training opportunities and promotions.
The employee filed a Charge of Discrimination with the Illinois Department of Human Rights and the EEOC. His employment with Kenney was terminated just five days after the company was notified of the filing.
The plaintiff maintains that he was terminated due to his sex and his refusal of his supervisor’s sexual advances. If true, that is a violation of the Illinois Human Rights Act, just as it would be if a female employee was treated similarly by a male supervisor.
The law provides equal protection to men and women and neither sex should be the target of sexual discrimination or harassment in the workplace. If you believe that you have been the victim of sexual harassment or sexual discrimination then it is important to contact an Illinois employment attorney or a Chicago civil rights lawyer who can help you.