Leskovisek v. Illinois Department of Transportation

**Leskovisek v. Illinois Department of Transportation: Court Rules Against Employer in Sexual Harassment Case** This case involved a female employee who experienced severe sexual harassment from her supervisor at Nation Wide Security Services, Inc. The supervisor used his position of authority to sexually assault the employee, creating such an intolerable work environment that she felt forced to quit her job. The Michigan Supreme Court ruled in favor of the employee, finding the company liable for both quid pro quo sexual harassment and constructive discharge. The court determined that when a supervisor uses managerial power to commit sexual assault against a subordinate, the employer is responsible. The court also recognized that the workplace became so hostile that the employee had no reasonable choice but to leave, which legally counts as being fired (constructive discharge). This ruling is significant for workers because it confirms that employers cannot escape responsibility when supervisors abuse their authority to sexually harass employees. It also reinforces that workers who are forced to quit due to severe harassment can still pursue legal claims as if they were wrongfully terminated. The decision sends a clear message that companies must be held accountable for creating safe workplaces free from sexual harassment and assault.