Equal Opportunity Harasser Archives

October 23, 2026 by mjpospis

Applying the “Equal Opportunity Harasser” Doctrine, Court Dismisses Title VII Sexual Harassment Claim

In Noriega et al v. Pure’s Food Specialties, LL and Jesus Salazar, No. 25 C 12621, 2026 WL 3181521 (N.D. Ill. Oct. 23, 2026), the court, inter alia, applied the “equal opportunity harasser” doctrine to dismiss plaintiffs’ claim of sexual harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. In sum, plaintiffs allege…

Second Circuit Invokes the “Equal Opportunity Jerk” Principle in Affirming Dismissal of Plaintiff’s Sex-Based Hostile Work Environment Claim

In Dotel v. Walmart Stores, Inc., No. 15-76-CV, 2016 WL 158466, at *1 (2d Cir. Jan. 14, 2016) (Summary Order), the Second Circuit affirmed the district court’s dismissal of plaintiff’s complaint against Walmart Stores alleging sex discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation and intentional infliction of emotional distress. As to her hostile work environment claim, the court…