Harassment: Rhode Island

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

Author: Brian J. Lamoureux, Pannone Lopes Devereaux & West

Summary

• The main statutory framework for bringing a claim of harassment is the State Fair Employment Practices Act. +R.I.G.L. § 28-5-1 et seq. See Harassment Under the State Fair Employment Practices Act.
• Rhode Island law prohibits harassment and recognizes both quid pro quo and hostile work environment claims. See Establishing a Claim of Harassment.
• Rhode Island employers with 50 or more employees must adopt a workplace policy against harassment and all employers are strongly encouraged to institute sexual harassment training for employees. See Adoption of Policy Against Harassment; Training.
• Aggrieved persons may also bring a claim for harassment under the Rhode Island Civil Rights Act of 1990. +R.I.G.L. § 42-112-1 et seq. See Harassment Under the Rhode Island Civil Rights Act of 1990.