Fourth Circuit Supports Sex Harassment and Retaliation Claims

The Fourth Circuit recently issued an excellent decision in Okoli v. City of Baltimore. This case presents claims under Title VII action for sexual harassment and retaliation (termination) for reporting the harassment. Amazingly, the trial court dismissed the case. The Fourth Circuit reversed, concluding that the plaintiff's allegations that her boss forcibly kissed her, fondled her leg, propositioned her, asked sexually explicit questions, described sexual activities he wished to perform, and then, after she spurned the advances and filed a harassment complaint, fired her are sufficient to support claims of hostile work environment, quid pro quo sex harassment, and retaliation.