Vermont Jury Instruction — 1.2.2 Race and/or Sex Discrimination Hostile Work Environment Created or Permitted by Supervisor — With Affirmative Defense by Employer refers to the legal instructions given to a jury in a race and/or sex discrimination lawsuit, specifically in cases where a hostile work environment is created or permitted by a supervisor. This particular instruction also includes an affirmative defense that can be used by the employer to argue against liability. Key points related to this jury instruction are: 1. Race and Sex Discrimination: This instruction predominantly applies to cases involving race and/or sex discrimination in the workplace. It acknowledges the importance of ensuring equal opportunities and fair treatment regardless of an individual's race or sex. 2. Hostile Work Environment: The instruction addresses situations where a supervisor's behavior or actions create or allow for a hostile work environment. A hostile work environment refers to an environment where an employee's ability to work is negatively affected due to race or sex discrimination. 3. Supervisor's Responsibility: The instruction emphasizes that it is the supervisor's responsibility to ensure a respectful and non-discriminatory work environment for their employees. It recognizes the authority and influence supervisors hold over subordinates and their obligation to prevent discrimination. 4. Affirmative Defense: This instruction also introduces the concept of an affirmative defense available to the employer. An affirmative defense is a legal argument that, if successfully established, may mitigate or eliminate the employer's liability. The specific details of this affirmative defense are not provided, as they may vary depending on the circumstances of each case. While the given instruction is described in terms of "Race And Or Sex Discrimination Hostile Work Environment Created or Permitted By Supervisor — With Affirmative Defense By Employer," it is unclear if there are alternatives or additional versions of this particular instruction.