An internship is a critical stepping stone for many young professionals looking forward to their dream careers. Because interns are often new to the workforce and might depend on supervisors for experiences and future references, they might feel especially vulnerable when misconduct occurs. Many interns silently endure unwanted advances and toxic environments because they assume they lack legal rights. However, California law provides sexual harassment protections for interns, including unpaid interns, and might allow them to pursue legal remedies when workplace misconduct violates these protections.
Know your rights
California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), provides workplace protections against sexual harassment. Assembly Bill 1443 extended important protections to unpaid interns and volunteers if any of the following behaviors occur:
- Unwanted sexual advances: Unwelcome requests for dates, sexual favors or other sexual conduct from superiors, coworkers or others in the workplace
- Verbal harassment: Crude jokes, inappropriate comments about a person’s body or unwanted sexual innuendos
- Visual or physical misconduct: Displaying sexually offensive images or engaging in unwelcome touching or physical contact
- Retaliatory actions: Firing or giving a negative reference because an intern reported harassment or participated in an investigation
California law provides workplace harassment protections to employees and extends certain protections to unpaid interns, volunteers and independent contractors. The protections that apply may depend on the person’s work arrangement and the nature of the alleged conduct. The employment status, nature of your job or lack of wages doesn’t excuse unlawful harassment or retaliation.
Take control of your future
No one should have to tolerate workplace harassment to gain experience or advance a career. As California has explicit laws to protect interns from workplace harassment and retaliation, you have powerful legal options to protect your rights. Reaching out to an experienced legal professional could help you evaluate your case and fight for the justice you deserve.