Under Michigan law and federal laws, discriminating against employees because of their sex or gender violates a person’s civil rights. Sex discrimination includes sexual harassment. State laws define sexual harassment as unwelcome sexual advances, favors, or verbal or physical behavior of a sexual nature. 

If an employee believes they are a victim of sexual harassment or any other form of employment discrimination, they can file a complaint with the Michigan Department of Civil Rights. The Elliott-Larsen Civil Rights Act prohibits retaliation against a person who makes a charge or files a complaint for workplace discrimination, including sexual harassment. Under this law, an employee cannot be lawfully terminated for reporting sexual harassment they witnessed or experienced during their employment.