What Are the Essential Elements of a Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment Claim?

Quid pro quo sexual harassment occurs when a person in authority—typically a supervisor or manager—conditions job benefits or continued employment on an employee’s submission to unwelcome sexual conduct. To establish a successful claim, you generally need to prove three core elements: the conduct was unwelcome, it was sexual in nature

What Are Your Employment Rights After Pregnancy Loss?

If you’ve experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth, you’re protected by multiple federal and state laws that guarantee your right to time off, job protection, and freedom from discrimination. Under the Family and Medical Leave Act, eligible employees can take up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave because pregnancy loss

What Are Your Rights to Breastfeeding Accommodations at Work?

If you’re returning to work after having a baby and plan to continue breastfeeding, federal and New York laws give you strong protections to express breast milk during the workday. Under the PUMP for Nursing Mothers Act, most employers must provide you with reasonable break time and a private space—not

Does the ADA Protect Workers with Pregnancy-Related Medical Conditions?

Yes, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) can protect workers experiencing pregnancy-related medical conditions that substantially limit major life activities—even though pregnancy itself isn’t classified as a disability. Conditions like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, hyperemesis gravidarum, and severe morning sickness often qualify for ADA protection, requiring employers to provide reasonable accommodations.

Do Parental Leave Policies Discriminate Based on Gender Stereotypes?

Yes, parental leave policies can discriminate when they’re built on outdated assumptions about who should be the primary caregiver. Under federal law, employers must provide parental leave on equal terms to both mothers and fathers for bonding and caregiving—any policy that offers more time or flexibility to one parent based

Can an Employer Refuse to Hire You Because You’re Pregnant?

No, an employer cannot legally refuse to hire you because you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or might become pregnant in the future. Federal law—specifically the Pregnancy Discrimination Act and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act—prohibits employers with 15 or more employees from discriminating against job applicants based on

What Are Reasonable Accommodations for Pregnant Workers?

If you’re pregnant and struggling with certain job duties, you have a legal right to request workplace adjustments that help you stay healthy and employed. Under federal and New York laws, employers must provide reasonable accommodations for pregnancy-related limitations—things like extra bathroom breaks, modified schedules, lighter duties, or a place

What Are Your FMLA Rights During Pregnancy and After Childbirth?

If you’re pregnant or planning to start a family, the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) provides up to 12 weeks of unpaid, job-protected leave for childbirth and bonding with your newborn. This federal law ensures you can take time off without fear of losing your job, while your employer

What Protections Does the Pregnancy Discrimination Act Provide Employees?

The Pregnancy Discrimination Act (PDA) makes it illegal for employers to treat you differently because you’re pregnant, have given birth, or have a related medical condition. If you work for a company with 15 or more employees, your employer cannot refuse to hire you, fire you, demote you, or take

What Makes Your Workplace a Legally Hostile Environment?

When workplace harassment becomes unbearable, you need to know whether your situation crosses from merely unpleasant to legally actionable. A hostile work environment exists when harassment based on your protected characteristics—like race, gender, religion, age, or disability—becomes so severe or pervasive that it fundamentally alters your working conditions. The legal