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Vinson worked for Meritor Bank, under Taylor, for 4 yrs, then quit, sued, said Taylor
had harassed her all 4 yrs. She had 'voluntarily" had sex with him 40-50 times, and
had been raped as well, by her report. He denied all. District Court said voluntary sex
voided harrasment claim, and employer never knew about it, wasn't liable.
Ct. of Appeals said workplace could be hostile even if she 'voluntarily' had sex, if she
was afraid she would lose her job, didn't want the advances, etc., and employer was always
liable.
US Supreme Ct. said yes & no. Hostile workplace per EEOC guidlines could exist even if
she voluntaily slept with him, employer might or might not be liable, needed to be decided
case by case.
An early decision, referenced by many later sexual discrimination suits. Fairly
straight-forward logic.