What is the federal statute that asserts sexual harassment is illegal?

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is the federal statute that specifically addresses and prohibits sexual harassment in the workplace. This law makes it illegal for employers to discriminate based on sex, which includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature that creates a hostile or abusive work environment. It is a key component in promoting workplace equality and protecting employees from harassment.

In contrast, Title IX of the Education Amendments focuses on preventing gender discrimination in educational programs and activities receiving federal funding, and while it also touches on issues related to sexual harassment in schools, it does not pertain directly to workplace harassment. USCA 1983 deals with civil rights violations by individuals acting under state authority, which includes a range of civil rights issues but does not specifically address sexual harassment. The Equal Employment Opportunity Act, while related to employment discrimination, is not as direct in its language regarding sexual harassment as Title VII.

Thus, Title VII is the foundational statute that directly asserts the legality of workplace sexual harassment laws, making it the correct answer in this context.