The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) has filed a lawsuit against Surfeit Group LLC, Aged Artisans LLC (doing business as Square Barrels), and Altres, Inc. (doing business as SimplicityHR) for violating federal law by allowing sexual harassment in the workplace.
According to the EEOC lawsuit over sexual harassment of male employees, a co-owner of Square Barrels repeatedly exposed his genitals and made sexual comments related to the male employees’ sexual orientation. This alleged harassment began in 2018 and, despite its severity, continued without appropriate intervention. As a result, the EEOC charges that both Square Barrels and its HR provider, Altres, failed to conduct an adequate investigation or take corrective action.
In the agency’s view, this conduct violates Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex-based harassment and hostile work environments. Therefore, the EEOC proceeded with filing the case in the U.S. District Court for Hawaii after first attempting resolution through its conciliation process. Through this lawsuit, the agency is seeking compensatory and punitive damages, as well as injunctive relief to help prevent future violations.
Lessons Learned from the Case:
- This case underscores that employers are responsible for maintaining a harassment-free workplace—even when the harasser is a co-owner or other high-ranking individual. A power imbalance does not shield the employer from liability.
- When harassment is reported, employers must act quickly, document every step, and preserve all related evidence. Without a proper investigation, legal consequences are likely.
- Finally, it’s essential to take all complaints seriously and foster an environment where employees feel safe reporting misconduct. This not only protects individuals but also prevents issues from escalating over time.
Learn more about Hawaii Labor Laws through our detailed guide.
