This year marks the 25th anniversary of the New Jersey Supreme Court's decision in Lehmann v. Toys R Us, 132 N.J. 587 (1993), which held that the New Jersey Law Against Discrimination (NJLAD) prohibits "sexual harassment of women by men, men by women, men by men, and women by women ... and bars both heterosexual and homosexual harassment." Id. at 604. The "paramount objective" the Supreme Court identified in Lehmann was "the prevention of sexual harassment." Aguas v. State, 220 N.J. 494, 522 (2015). As evidenced by the #MeToo movement and almost daily reports of abuse by high profile figures, sexual harassment remains an ongoing challenge for employees and employers. This Valentine's Day, unwanted expressions of "love," gag gifts that have sexual overtones, and discussions of romantic Valentine's celebrations may be particularly dangerous. While relationships do have a place in business, it's best to keep them strictly professional.
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