Harassment: District of Columbia

Federal law and guidance on this subject should be reviewed together with this section.

Author: Justin Sheldon and Leslie Paul Machado

Summary

• The District of Columbia Human Rights Act (DCHRA) prohibits both hostile work environment and quid pro quo harassment. See Harassment Under the District of Columbia Human Rights Act.
• The DCHRA prohibits sexual harassment as well as harassment based upon an individual's membership in a protected class. See Harassment Under the District of Columbia Human Rights Act and Harassment Based on Other Protected Categories.
• Under the DCHRA, there is individual liability for harassment. The definition of an employer may include owners, partners, and supervisors or anyone acting in the interest of the employer. See Liability.
• An individual who is successful in a harassment claim can receive monetary awards, job reinstatement, promotions as well as other remedies. See Penalties and Remedies.