Harassment is a form of discrimination. Harassment happens when a person experiences unwanted and offensive comments and/or conduct because of their personal characteristics.
The Human Rights Act defines harassment as a “course of vexatious comment or conduct that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome”.
Some examples of harassment include:
- You felt forced to quit your job because of a co-worker’s harassing comments and conduct. He inappropriately stared at you and made comments about your appearance. You tried to bring this to your manager’s attention, but nothing was done about it.
- our child is bullied at school because you are not from Newfoundland and Labrador. Your child is called racist names, was pushed in the hallway and told to “go home”. You complained to the teacher and the principal, but the school has not taken any action and the bullying has continued. Your child’s marks have suffered.