Connecticut Jury Instruction — 1.2.2 Race And Or Sex Discrimination Hostile Work Environment Created Or Permitted By Supervisor — With Affirmative Defense By Employer In the state of Connecticut, employees are protected against workplace discrimination on the basis of race and/or sex. Connecticut Jury Instruction — 1.2.2 addresses situations where a hostile work environment is created or permitted by a supervisor, with an affirmative defense available to the employer. This instruction is crucial for both employees and employers to understand their respective rights and obligations in such cases. A hostile work environment is a workplace characterized by offensive, intimidating, or unprofessional behavior due to an individual's race or sex. It can involve unwelcome comments, slurs, gestures, jokes, or even explicit displays of discriminatory material. When a supervisor, who holds a position of authority, contributes to or fails to address such an environment, it can be a violation of state laws. Connecticut Jury Instruction — 1.2.2 further elaborates on the affirmative defense available to the employer. An affirmative defense means that the employer can argue that they took reasonable steps to prevent and promptly address discriminatory behavior within the workplace. This defense is crucial for employers to ensure they are not wrongfully held liable for the actions of their supervisors. Different types or variations of Connecticut Jury Instruction — 1.2.2 may include: 1. Hostile Work Environment based on Race Discrimination: This instruction specifically addresses situations where the hostile work environment is created or permitted by a supervisor, with an affirmative defense available to the employer, focusing on racial discrimination. 2. Hostile Work Environment based on Sex Discrimination: Similarly, this instruction specifically addresses situations where the hostile work environment is created or permitted by a supervisor, with an affirmative defense available to the employer, focusing on sex discrimination. 3. Hostile Work Environment based on Race and Sex Discrimination: This variation combines both race and sex discrimination, acknowledging that a hostile work environment can result from discriminatory behavior targeting multiple protected characteristics. It is important to note that Connecticut Jury Instruction — 1.2.2 is designed to guide the jurors in understanding the legal standards and considerations when determining liability in cases of race and/or sex discrimination leading to a hostile work environment. It helps ensure a fair and just outcome for all parties involved while promoting a workplace free from discrimination.