On October 4, the EEOC issued a press release ("EEOC Releases Preliminary
FY 2018 Sexual Harassment Data") highlighting its significant
work this past fiscal year to address the pervasive problem of
workplace harassment. Acting EEOC Chair Victoria A. Lipnic
stated, "I am so proud of the EEOC staff who stepped up to the
heightened demand of the #MeToo movement to make clear that
workplace harassment is not only unlawful, it is simply not
acceptable."
In 2018, the EEOC filed 66 harassment lawsuits, 41 of which
included allegations of sexual harassment. According to the agency,
that reflects a 50 percent increase in lawsuits challenging sexual
harassment over fiscal year 2017. The agency also reports that it
recovered nearly $70 million for victims of sexual harassment in
fiscal year 2018, up from $47.5 million in fiscal year 2017.
