Your Rights Under Title VII: Sexual Harassment in Temple Workplaces 

At Scanes Yelverton Talbert, LLP (SYT), we understand that speaking up about sexual harassment at work is incredibly difficult. These situations are deeply personal, often isolating, and emotionally exhausting. If you’re dealing with harassment in the workplace, you may feel afraid, ashamed, or unsure about what to do next. We want you to know that you are not alone, even when it feels like it. We are here to stand by your side, speak up for you, and help you seek the justice you deserve. Our goal is to help you navigate this in the easiest and least harmful way possible for you.   

   

At SYT, we offer a free case review to get started, and we want to assure you that it is entirely confidential. We treat every inquiry with the care, discretion, and respect it deserves. These case reviews enable us to assess your case, determine if you have a claim, and outline the next steps. Our goal is not just to offer legal representation but to stand beside you, support you, and fight for you every step of the way. 

   

Workplace sexual harassment is not just uncomfortable or upsetting, but it’s 100% illegal. You have rights under both federal and Texas state law, and at SYT, we’re here to help you hold harassers (and the employers who allow harassment to persist) fully accountable for their actions. 

 

Sexual Harassment Is Far More Common Than You Think 

Despite progress in recent years, workplace sexual harassment remains a widespread problem across the country, including right here in Temple, Texas. According to national studies from the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission: 

   

• 1 in 3 women have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. 
• 1 in 6 men have reported similar experiences. 

   

These numbers don’t even reflect the whole picture, as many people never come forward out of fear of retaliation or shame. Harassment affects people of all genders, ages, races, and industries, and it happens in both obvious and subtle ways. If you have experienced sexual harassment, you deserve better, and the law is on your side. 

 

These statistics should never be accepted as normal. At SYT, we believe no one should have to tolerate harassment or mistreatment in the workplace. Our mission is to hold employers accountable, one case at a time, to help eradicate this issue and create safer, more respectful workplaces for everyone in Temple and across Texas. 

 

What Is Title VII, and How Does It Protect You? 

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is a federal law that prohibits workplace discrimination based on sex, race, color, religion, or national origin. This includes sexual harassment, which courts recognize as a form of unlawful sex discrimination. 

   

Under Title VII, employers are legally obligated to maintain a workplace that is free from harassment, and they are required to take action when a report is made. Harassment that interferes with your ability to do your job, creates a hostile work environment, or results in adverse employment consequences (like demotion, discipline, or termination) is a violation of your rights. 

   

In addition to federal protections, Texas Labor Code Chapter 21 reinforces these protections at the state level. This law prohibits sexual harassment and other forms of workplace discrimination within Texas, offering additional avenues for legal relief through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC). 

 

What Counts as Sexual Harassment Under the Law? 

Sexual harassment isn’t always blatant, and that’s what makes it so damaging. It can begin with subtle comments or “jokes,” and gradually escalate into something more severe. But even behavior that seems minor at first can become harassment when it’s unwelcome, repeated, and creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. 

   

Examples of sexual harassment in the Temple workplace can include: 

• Unwanted comments about your appearance or body 
• Lewd jokes or suggestive language 
• Inappropriate touching or physical contact 
• Repeated requests for dates after you’ve said no 
• Sharing sexually explicit images, emails, or texts 
• Staring, gestures, or body language meant to intimidate 
• Comments about your gender, sexuality, or personal relationships 
• Threats to your job, hours, or status if you don’t “play along” 

   

Sometimes, harassment is obvious, like being groped or propositioned by a supervisor. But other times, it happens slowly and insidiously over time. You may not realize how bad it’s become until it starts affecting your confidence, your health, or your ability to work. 

   

If the behavior makes you uncomfortable, it’s absolutely worth speaking up, because in many cases it is most likely illegal. If you’re unsure whether what you’re experiencing qualifies as sexual harassment under the law, we encourage you to fill out our confidential employment claim case review form. It’s completely free, allowing our team to review your situation and determine if it’s something we can take legal action on. 

   

Many times, harassment involves serious and repeated misconduct, but countless people stay silent out of fear of retaliation, embarrassment, or not being believed. We understand that hesitation. But it’s important to know: your voice matters, and the earlier we can address inappropriate behavior, the better chance we have of stopping it before it escalates further than it already has. 

   

Even if the situation doesn’t yet meet the legal threshold for harassment, it may still be a red flag worth monitoring. If things worsen or if the behavior continues, we’re here for you. Our goal is to help you protect your rights and take action at the right time with confidence and support. 

 

What Are Your Rights if You're Being Sexually Harassed at Work? 

If you're facing sexual harassment at work, whether it's from a supervisor, coworker, client, or anyone else in your professional environment, it's essential to know that you have rights under both federal and Texas law. These rights exist to protect you from unlawful treatment, empower you to speak out, and provide a legal path toward justice if those protections are violated. They include rights to: 

   

• A workplace free of sexual harassment. Your employer has a legal obligation to prevent and address harassment in the workplace. If they fail to take action or allow the behavior to continue, they can be held liable. 
• Report harassment without fear of retaliation. It is illegal for your employer to punish you for reporting harassment or for cooperating with an investigation. Retaliation can include being demoted, fired, excluded from meetings, or having your hours or responsibilities changed. 
• File an internal complaint with your employer. Most companies have HR procedures in place for reporting misconduct. Although it’s not always necessary before taking legal action, documenting your concerns internally can help build a stronger case. 
• File a formal charge with a government agency. You can file a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or the Texas Workforce Commission Civil Rights Division (TWC-CRD). This begins the formal legal process of investigating your claim and resolving the matter through mediation, conciliation, or litigation.   
• It is important to note that the EEOC and TWC have specific guidelines and timelines for filing claims. Therefore, it is advisable to consult our employment law attorneys to ensure that the filing process is completed correctly and that all necessary steps are taken. 
• Take your case to court. If the EEOC or TWC doesn’t resolve the issue (or if your employer refuses to address the harassment), you may have the right to file a lawsuit in state or federal court. This can lead to financial compensation and other legal remedies. 

   

You also have the right to pursue compensation if your rights have been violated. You may be entitled to financial compensation and other remedies designed to make you whole again. Depending on the circumstances, available damages may include: 

   

• Lost wages and benefits if the harassment impacted your income, hours, or job opportunities. 
• Compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, PTSD, or other psychological harm caused by the harassment. 
• Medical or therapy expenses related to the emotional or physical toll of the harassment. 
• Punitive damages are awarded in cases where the employer acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for your rights. 
• Reinstatement, if you were wrongfully terminated or forced out of your position. 
• Attorney’s fees and court costs, so you’re not burdened financially for seeking justice. 

   

Every case is unique, and compensation depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of the harassment, how your employer responded, and the long-term impact on your life. Our team will help build strong cases and hold employers accountable, ensuring you receive the justice you truly deserve. 

How SYT Can Help 

We’re dedicated to protecting the rights of workers in Temple and across Texas who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace. We take these matters seriously and act quickly to safeguard your interests from the very beginning. Our support begins with a confidential case review, where we help you understand your legal options in a safe and private setting. From there, we assist with filing claims through the Texas Workforce Commission (TWC) or the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and we handle all communication with your employer and their legal team so you don’t have to. We work to gather critical evidence, including emails, witness statements, and company records, and ensure all legal deadlines are met to keep your case on track. If needed, we’re fully prepared to file a lawsuit and pursue full justice under the law. We understand how intimidating this process can be, especially when your harasser holds power or you fear retaliation. Our goal is to make sure you are fully informed, legally protected, and always in control of your next step. You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to stand with you. 

 

Start with a Free, Confidential Case Review 

If you’re experiencing sexual harassment at work or you’re not sure if what’s happening rises to the level of a legal claim, we invite you to initiate your free, confidential case review. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and help you understand what steps you can take. 

   

At SYT, we stand up for workers who feel powerless. We take on the most challenging cases, hold employers accountable for failing to protect their teams, and advocate for fair outcomes for every client. If you’re ready to take back control, we’re prepared to help.