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Eisenberg & Baum, LLP
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Sexual Harassment During Internships And Summer Jobs In NYC

You do not deserve to experience college internship harassment, regardless of whether it is a summer job or a co-op position. At Eisenberg & Baum, LLP, our sexual harassment attorneys have witnessed young workers facing uncomfortable and traumatizing interactions. You can trust us because we are more than ready to stand with you in court.

Are Interns Protected From Sexual Harassment In New York?

Yes, interns have protection against sexual harassment. The New York State Human Rights Law mandates employers to treat paid and unpaid interns as regular employees. This law is starkly different from federal law, which excludes unpaid interns and only applies to companies with 15 or more employees.

Protections apply to all employers, regardless of size. While interns must meet specific criteria to be legally “unpaid” under the Primary Beneficiary Test, their right to a harassment-free workplace is absolute.

What Are Common Types Of Intern Sexual Harassment?

Common types of intern sexual harassment range from suggestive comments to explicit coercion. These can include:

  • Quid pro quo: A supervisor imposes sexual favors in exchange for a positive review, college credit or future employment.
  • Hostile environment: A workplace promotes sexual jokes or explicit materials that promote an intimidating environment.
  • Abuse of power: Senior staff take advantage of interns by pressuring them into unwanted dates.
  • After-hours incidents: A staff member crosses boundaries during work trips and casual alcohol events.

Regardless of where sexual harassment occurs during an internship, you have protective rights against this discrimination.

What Should You Do If You Have Been Harassed During Your NYC Internship?

If you or someone you know experiences harassment during an internship, you must take strategic steps to protect yourself:

  • Document the incident: Write a report about the incident, indicating the date, time, location and actions.
  • Report to multiple parties: Inform the company’s human resources department or an objective authority figure to create a notice.
  • Contact school advisors: Report the interaction with your Title IX coordinator or internship advisor.
  • Preserve evidence: Keep inappropriate notes or gifts, save a copy of photos or videos of the incident and secure screenshots of social media messages.
  • Understand timeframes: Be mindful of the three-year window to file a complaint.

As your internship sexual harassment lawyer, we will guide you on how you can establish accountability.

Schedule A Free Consultation With A NYC Internship Sexual Harassment Lawyer

We at Eisenberg & Baum, LLP, offer 24/7 free consultations on topics regarding the sexual harassment of interns. Call us at 212-847-4999, and we can discuss your options to move forward. You may also complete our online form to schedule an appointment.