Virginia Jury Instruction — 1.1.3 Public Employee Equal Protection Claim Race and/or Sex Discrimination Hostile Work Environment — Separate Liability The Virginia Jury Instruction 1.1.3 pertains to public employee equal protection claims related to race and/or sex discrimination in a hostile work environment scenario. In such cases, there are specific factors and elements that must be considered for the establishment of separate liability. When an employee alleges a hostile work environment based on race and/or sex discrimination in a public employment setting, several important aspects need to be addressed: 1. Hostile Work Environment: The plaintiff must provide evidence that they were subjected to an unwelcome, severe, or pervasive working environment that was hostile or abusive. This includes demonstrating that the conduct was based on their race and/or sex. 2. Discrimination Based on Protected Class: It is crucial to establish that the hostile work environment was solely or predominantly motivated by the plaintiff's race and/or sex, and not other factors. This ensures that the claim falls under the purview of equal protection laws. 3. Employer's Knowledge: The plaintiff must demonstrate that the employer had knowledge or reasonably should have known about the hostile work environment. This includes showing that they reported the conduct to appropriate channels or authorities within the organization. 4. Adequate Remedial Measures: The plaintiff needs to establish that the employer failed to take timely and appropriate action to prevent or address the hostile work environment after being made aware of it. This may involve proving insufficient response, lack of investigation, or lack of disciplinary actions against the responsible parties. 5. Interference with Work Environment: The plaintiff is required to demonstrate that the hostile work environment interfered with their ability to perform their job and created an abusive or intimidating atmosphere that altered the terms and conditions of employment. It is important to note that the Virginia Jury Instruction 1.1.3 does not encompass different types of public employee equal protection claims specifically related to race and/or sex discrimination in a hostile work environment. Instead, it provides guidance on the essential factors to be considered when determining separate liability for such claims. Overall, the instruction clarifies the legal requirements and considerations for plaintiffs seeking redress in cases of racial and/or sex discrimination in a hostile work environment within public employment in Virginia. By addressing the unique circumstances of public employees, this instruction seeks to ensure equal protection under the law for all individuals.