Important new developments for MD state government contractors

Businesses engaged in government contracting in Maryland are often focused on federal regulations, but many businesses also contract with the state government. It is important to keep abreast of recent developments affecting government contracts with the State of Maryland or any of its agencies. Two such developments, in particular, are worth noting.

Fourth Circuit Refines Analysis of Retaliation for Reporting Isolated Incidents of Harassment

By Ethan L. Don

Take Away:  The Fourth Circuit, en banc, has drawn a clear(er) line by which to determine when an employee’s complaint of an isolated incident of harassment is protected from retaliation, holding that an employee will have an objectively reasonable belief that a hostile working environment is occurring if the harassment is physically threatening or humiliating.  Reporting an isolated incident of harassment which meets this standard will constitute engaging in a protected activity and entitle the employee to protection from retaliation.