Before proceeding, please review the  legal disclaimer.

Quid Pro Quo Sexual Harassment: What It Is and What to Do About It in Texas

Workplace harassment isn’t always about inappropriate comments or uncomfortable situations—it can also involve manipulation of power, especially when your job, promotion, or compensation is tied to submitting to sexual advances.

This form of sexual harassment is called quid pro quo, and it is illegal under both federal and Texas law.

If you believe you’ve experienced quid pro quo harassment in Houston, you don’t have to suffer in silence. At The Lange Firm, we stand with employees who’ve been harassed, intimidated, or retaliated against in the workplace. In this guide, we’ll explain what quid pro quo harassment is, how to recognize it, and what steps you can take to protect your rights.

Table of Contents

• What Is Quid Pro Quo Harassment?
  
  
• Examples of Quid Pro Quo Harassment in Houston Workplaces
  
  
• Is Quid Pro Quo Harassment Illegal in Texas?
  
  
• How to Prove Quid Pro Quo Harassment
  
  
• Common Signs and Red Flags
  
  
• What to Do If You Experience Quid Pro Quo Harassment
  
  
• How Long Do You Have to File a Complaint?
  
  
• Your Legal Rights and Possible Compensation
  
  
• How The Lange Firm Can Help Victims in Houston
  
  
• Final Thoughts
  
  
• Related Blogs for Further Reading
  
  

What Is Quid Pro Quo Harassment?

The term quid pro quo is Latin for “this for that.” In the context of sexual harassment, it refers to a situation where someone in authority demands sexual favors in exchange for:

• A promotion
  
  
• Continued employment
  
  
• Better work assignments
  
  
• Salary increases
  
  
• Avoiding demotion or termination
  
  

Quid pro quo harassment is most often committed by managers, supervisors, or anyone who has power over your job status.

Examples of Quid Pro Quo Harassment in Houston Workplaces

Let’s look at some real-world scenarios:

✅ Example 1:

A Houston bartender is told by her manager: “If you go out with me tonight, I’ll make sure you get the Saturday night shifts and tips.”

✅ Example 2:

An office supervisor at an oil company says to a male subordinate: “I could fast-track your promotion—if you show me how grateful you are.”

✅ Example 3:

A newly hired employee is informed that her job “might not last long” unless she agrees to personal meetings with her boss after work hours.

These scenarios involve a clear abuse of power, and they are not just inappropriate—they are illegal.

Is Quid Pro Quo Harassment Illegal in Texas?

Yes. Quid pro quo harassment is a form of sexual discrimination, which is illegal under:

• Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  
  
• Texas Labor Code Chapter 21
  
  
• Houston Equal Rights Ordinance (HERO) – where applicable
  
  

The law prohibits employers from conditioning employment benefits on submission to sexual conduct or penalizing employees for refusal.

It also prohibits retaliation against employees who report harassment or refuse such advances.

How to Prove Quid Pro Quo Harassment

You don’t need to have physical evidence—but you do need to demonstrate that:

1. You were subjected to unwelcome sexual advances, requests, or conduct
   
   
2. There was a link between this conduct and a job-related decision
   
   
3. The harasser had authority over you or influence on employment decisions
   
   
4. The conduct affected your employment opportunities
   
   

✅ Evidence Might Include:

• Emails or messages from the harasser
  
  
• Witnesses who heard or saw the conduct
  
  
• Records of performance reviews or employment actions
  
  
• Notes, journal entries, or calendar records
  
  
• A timeline showing retaliation after refusal
  
  

📞 The Lange Firm can help you gather evidence and build a strong case.

Common Signs and Red Flags

You may be experiencing quid pro quo harassment if:

• A supervisor flirts or makes sexual comments tied to your work status
  
  
• Promotions or raises are hinted at only with personal favors
  
  
• You’re threatened with demotion or firing for saying no
  
  
• Coworkers who engage in sexual conduct with management seem to advance faster
  
  
• You feel pressure to go along with things to keep your job
  
  

Trust your instincts. If something feels coercive, it may be unlawful.

What to Do If You Experience Quid Pro Quo Harassment

✅ Step 1: Document Everything

Write down dates, times, names, locations, and what was said or done.

✅ Step 2: Report Internally

If safe, file a complaint with:

• HR or Human Resources
  
  
• Your manager (if they are not the harasser)
  
  
• Your company’s hotline or reporting system
  
  

✅ Step 3: Contact an Attorney

Before or after reporting, consult with a Houston employment attorney at The Lange Firm.

✅ Step 4: File a Complaint with Authorities

You may need to file with:

• The EEOC (Equal Employment Opportunity Commission)
  
  
• The Texas Workforce Commission – Civil Rights Division
  
  

Filing with one generally counts as filing with both due to a work-sharing agreement.

How Long Do You Have to File a Complaint?

In Texas, you must file a claim:

• Within 180 days of the incident with the Texas Workforce Commission
  
  
• Within 300 days with the EEOC (for federal claims)
  
  

⚠️ Don’t delay—missing the deadline could bar you from filing a lawsuit.

Your Legal Rights and Possible Compensation

If your claim is successful, you may be entitled to:

• Back pay (lost wages and benefits)
  
  
• Front pay if reinstatement isn’t possible
  
  
• Compensatory damages for emotional distress
  
  
• Punitive damages for egregious misconduct
  
  
• Attorney’s fees and costs
  
  

In some cases, you may also receive injunctive relief, such as job reinstatement or training requirements for the employer.

How The Lange Firm Can Help Victims in Houston

At The Lange Firm, we provide legal guidance and advocacy to employees facing sexual harassment and retaliation. We can:

• Evaluate the facts of your case
  
  
• Help you file with the EEOC or Texas Workforce Commission
  
  
• Negotiate with your employer for resolution
  
  
• File a lawsuit and represent you in court, if necessary
  
  
• Protect you from employer retaliation
  
  

You don’t have to face harassment alone. We’re here to stand by you, every step of the way.

📞 Contact us today for a confidential consultation.

Final Thoughts

So, what should you know about quid pro quo harassment in Houston?

✅ It’s illegal, it’s serious, and you have the right to speak up.
Whether you’re facing pressure from a supervisor or retaliation for saying no, The Lange Firm can help you understand your rights and take legal action.

Don’t wait. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.