Alexandra Marchuk V. Faruq

Alexandra Marchuk v. Faruqi, is a recent high profile sexual harassment case in the media. On February 2015, “Ms. Marchuk won on her hostile work environment claim under the New York City Human Rights Law. However, the jury found in favor of the defendants on her hostile environment claims under Title VII (federal) law and the New York state Human Rights Law.” This case sends unclear messages about acceptable and unacceptable workplace behaviors. Ms. Marchuk and Mr. Faruqi seemed to have had a romantic relationship according to other employees who saw evident of such a relationship. She quite abruptly then alleged it was because he raped her and that she had been working in a hostile work environment.

What make this unclear the workplace romance and the fact that she was seen regularly behaving in a romantic way towards or with Mr. Faruqi. It is hard for a company to know which side to come down on if allegations of harassment filed when there seemed to be a consensual conduct. Ms. Marchuk claims quid pro quo was why she seemed to play along with his advancements. She was involved in conversations with sexual content that she claims created part of the hostile work environment. Part of the question the employees has to ask is, “If she felt that the situation or behavior offensive why did she not state it instead of being a participant?

This affects how co-workers view if there was sexual harassment. This case may affect how workers feel about not allowing office romances at all. The case I think will have more employers instituting no fraternization clauses between employees and increase sexual harassment