Every employee deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued at work. Yet across Tennessee, workers continue to experience sexual harassment, from crude comments to unwanted advances to retaliation for speaking up.
At Hunter Employment Law, we stand with employees who face harassment in the workplace. Our all-female team focuses exclusively on employment and civil rights cases. We are trial-ready and deeply committed to protecting the dignity of Tennessee workers.
What Is Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is a form of sex discrimination prohibited under both federal law and Tennessee state law. It includes unwelcome conduct based on sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or pregnancy that affects the terms and conditions of employment.
Two Main Forms of Sexual Harassment
Quid Pro Quo Harassment → When job benefits such as promotion, pay, hours, or continued employment are conditioned on submitting to sexual advances. Example: “If you go on a date with me, I will make sure you keep your job.”
Hostile Work Environment → When unwelcome comments, jokes, touching, or other conduct based on sex are so severe or pervasive that they create an abusive workplace.
Legal Protections Against Sexual Harassment
Federal Law (Title VII of the Civil Rights Act)
- Applies to employers with 15 or more employees.
- Covers sex-based harassment, including sexual orientation and gender identity as recognized by the U.S. Supreme Court in Bostock v. Clayton County.
- Enforced by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).
Tennessee Law (THRA)
- Mirrors Title VII protections, covering sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity.
- Enforced by the Division of Civil Rights Enforcement (CRED), which replaced the Tennessee Human Rights Commission in 2025.
- Applies to employers with 8 or more employees.
Does Employer Size Matter?
Most federal sexual harassment laws, including Title VII, apply to employers with 15 or more employees. Smaller employers may not fall under federal coverage. There are limited exceptions that depend on the facts of the case.
Because these situations can be complex and may involve overlapping laws, it is best to consult with an attorney before assuming your claim is or is not covered.
Hunter Employment Law primarily focuses on cases involving medium and large employers, where systemic accountability and compensation are most achievable.
Examples of Sexual Harassment in the Workplace
- Repeated sexual jokes, comments, or innuendo.
- Unwanted touching, groping, or brushing against someone.
- Displaying sexually explicit materials in the workplace.
- Pressure for sexual favors in exchange for work benefits.
- Retaliation after rejecting sexual advances.
- Harassment based on pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
Filing a Sexual Harassment Claim in Tennessee
Step 1: Case Evaluation
We carefully review your experiences, documents, and timelines.
Step 2: Report Internally (Optional)
While not always required, reporting harassment to HR or management can strengthen your case. However, we understand this is not always safe or practical.
Step 3: File an Administrative Charge
EEOC handles federal claims. CRED handles Tennessee state claims. Most cases require filing with one of these agencies before you can sue.
Step 4: Agency Investigation or Mediation
The agency may investigate, dismiss, or attempt mediation.
Step 5: Right-to-Sue Letter
You typically need a Right-to-Sue letter before filing in court.
Step 6: Litigation
If resolution is not reached, we pursue your case in Tennessee or federal court. See our Retaliation page for related claims when employees are punished for reporting harassment.
Deadlines and Filing Requirements
Key timelines for sexual harassment claims in Tennessee
| Claim Type | EEOC Deadline | Tennessee CRED Deadline | Lawsuit Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Federal Sexual Harassment (Title VII) | 180 days | N/A | 90 days after Right-to-Sue letter |
| Tennessee THRA Sexual Harassment | N/A | 180 days with CRED | 1 year from the incident if bypassing CRED |
Important: Missing a deadline can permanently bar your claim. Act quickly.
Remedies Available
If your sexual harassment claim succeeds, you may recover:
- Back pay and lost wages
- Reinstatement or front pay
- Emotional distress damages
- Punitive damages in egregious cases
- Attorney’s fees and costs
Industries Where Sexual Harassment Often Occurs in Tennessee
- Healthcare → Hospitals, clinics, and nursing facilities.
- Hospitality and Retail → Restaurants, hotels, and service jobs.
- Corporate Offices → Nashville business, tech, and entertainment sectors.
- Manufacturing and Industrial → Warehouses, factories, and plants.
- Public Sector → Schools, city, and county government offices.
Local Representation Across Middle Tennessee
We represent employees across the state, with a focus on Nashville, Brentwood, Franklin, and Murfreesboro. Our attorneys understand the industries, courts, and local dynamics that shape harassment cases in Middle Tennessee.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifies as sexual harassment under Tennessee law?
Any unwelcome sexual conduct that affects your job or creates a hostile environment. This includes verbal, physical, or visual harassment.
Do I need to report harassment to HR before filing a claim?
Not always. While reporting can help, the law does not require it in every case, especially if reporting is unsafe.
Can same-sex harassment be illegal?
Yes. Sexual harassment laws protect employees regardless of the sex or gender identity of the harasser.
Can I be fired for complaining about harassment?
No. Retaliation for reporting harassment is illegal under both state and federal law. Learn more on our Retaliation page.
How much time do I have to act?
Generally, you have 180 days to file with the EEOC for federal claims. Some state law claims must be filed with CRED within 180 days, and certain lawsuits must be filed within one year if bypassing the agency. Contact Hunter Employment Law as soon as possible to preserve your rights and meet essential deadlines.
Why Choose Hunter Employment Law
- Focused on Employment and Civil Rights → We only represent employees.
- Boutique Firm, Personalized Attention → Clients receive direct, compassionate support.
- Trial-Ready → We prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
- Experienced in Tennessee Employment Law → We know the laws, the courts, and the employers.
Schedule Your Case Evaluation Today
If you have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, do not wait. Strict deadlines apply, and employers act quickly to protect themselves. Contact Hunter Employment Law to schedule a confidential case evaluation with an experienced Tennessee sexual harassment attorney.
Request a Case Evaluation or call (615) 592-2977
