10.4 Civil Rights-Title VII-Hostile Work Environment-Harassment refers to any unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that is based on an individual’s protected class, such as race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, or disability. This type of harassment creates an intimidating, offensive, or hostile work environment, and can include slurs, jokes, offensive or derogatory comments, unwelcome advances, or threats. This type of harassment is prohibited under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, and can lead to legal action if it is not addressed by the employer. There are two types of harassment covered by Title VII: quid pro quo harassment and hostile work environment harassment. Quid pro quo harassment occurs when an individual’s submission to or rejection of unwelcome conduct of a sexual nature results in a tangible job action, such as a promotion or demotion. Hostile work environment harassment occurs when unwelcome conduct is severe and pervasive enough to create a work environment that a reasonable person would find intimidating, hostile, or offensive.