Harassment: Idaho

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

Author: Kass Harstad, Strindberg and Scholnick, LLC

Summary

• The IHRA applies to governmental agencies and contractors, regardless of the number of employees. It also applies to private employers who have 5 or more employees working within the state of Idaho. See Covered Entities.
• The Idaho Human Rights Act (IHRA) prohibits harassment on the basis of certain protected classes, including sex, race, religion, age and disability. See Idaho Human Rights Act; Harassment Based on a Protected Class under the Idaho Human Rights Act.
• The IHRA also prohibits both quid pro quo and hostile work environment sexual harassment. See Sexual Harassment under the Idaho Human Rights Act.
• Individuals may not be held liable under the IHRA. See Individual Liability.
• Employers, on the other hand, may be held liable for harassment, regardless of whether the employer authorized or knew of the harassment. See Vicarious Liability.
• The IHRA is enforced by the Idaho Human Rights Commission. An employee must pursue administrative remedies before bringing a harassment claim in court. See Enforcement of the Idaho Human Rights Act.