In an extreme case of quid pro quo sexual harassment, a supervisor at an Ann Arbor, Michigan, hotel took advantage of the fact that one of his housekeepers spoke little English in order to intimidate her into granting him sexual favors. As the sexually hostile work environment escalated, the housekeeper for refused the supervisor's numerous unwanted sexual solicitations and made a complaint. He retaliated against her by denying her sufficient work hours. Ultimately, he attempted to rape her.

The EEOC brought suit against Ann Arbor Nights, a small Days Inn franchise that has several Spanish-speaking employees. Sexual harassment and retaliation -- particularly in this extreme and exploitative form -- are forms of gender discrimination under Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and this case called for quick and decisive action.

The lawsuit, filed in June, demanded both compensatory and punitive damages for the plaintiff, and Ann Arbor Nights has agreed to a settlement that gives the housekeeper the maximum damages allowed by law for an employer of its size. The settlement was announced by the EEOC today.

"The EEOC takes extreme forms of sexual harassment, like the attempted sexual assault in this case, extremely seriously," said EEOC attorney Nedra Campbell, who handled the case. "We are pleased Ann Arbor Nights decided to resolve this case early in the process and without protracted litigation," she added.

Under the settlement, Ann Arbor Nights will pay the plaintiff $50,000 and consented to an injunction prohibiting it from subjecting any employee to a sexually hostile work environment, quid pro quo sexual harassment, job retaliation or any form of employment discrimination.

The company also agreed to adopt an anti-sexual harassment policy, distribute the policy in English and Spanish, and provide training in both languages to ensure that every employee understands the law and knows his or her rights should they observe or experience sexual harassment.

Source: EEOC Press Release, "Ann Arbor Days Inn Franchisee to Pay $50,000 to Settle EEOC Sex Harassment Suit," November 9, 2010