Which behavior is considered sexual harassment under Title VII?

The behavior considered sexual harassment under Title VII specifically includes unwelcome sexual advances and requests for favors. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits employment discrimination based on sex, among other characteristics, and this includes sexual harassment. Such harassment can take many forms, but it fundamentally involves unwanted conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or intimidating work environment.

Unwelcome sexual advances are inherently problematic as they violate the principle of consent; if one party does not welcome or solicit the advances, it creates an uncomfortable and potentially threatening environment. This can manifest in various ways, such as inappropriate comments, suggestive remarks, or coercive requests for sexual favors—none of which are acceptable in the workplace.

Other choices reflect more benign or consensual interactions that do not fall under the definition of sexual harassment. Friendly gestures among coworkers can be part of a positive workplace culture, while professional relationships characterized by mutual consent are not included in the definition of harassment. Comments on workplace attire, while potentially inappropriate at times, do not necessarily constitute sexual harassment unless they are unsolicited and of a sexual nature. Hence, the clear delineation of unwelcome sexual advances and requests as sexual harassment under Title VII underscores why this is the correct answer.