Quid Pro Quo Harassment

Quid pro quo is a Latin phrase meaning "this for that." With quid pro quo harassment, the unwelcome conduct is a condition of an individual's employment, academic advancement, or receipt of a legitimately requested service. A "legitimately requested service" is a request for something that is appropriately associated with one's job duties or academic work.

In these cases, individuals are made to feel that objecting to the conduct or refusing to go along with it will have an adverse affect on their academic progress or professional career. Quid pro quo harassment usually involves some form of request for sexual favors in exchange for work or academic benefits. Example: "Either go on a date with me or you won't get a raise."

The person doing the harassing in a quid pro quo situation is usually in a position of power over the person he or she is harassing and can impact tangible job benefits or academic progress. The request does not have to be explicitly stated. If someone even implies damage to a person's professional or academic career because that person refuses to submit to the conduct, that is unlawful harassment.