Under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which behavior is considered sexual harassment?

Sexual harassment under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act includes any unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. The behavior described in the correct answer involves a supervisor leveraging their position of authority to require sexual favors as a condition for receiving job benefits. This clearly demonstrates a coercive environment where the employee's compliance is dictated by the potential loss or gain of job-related advantages, which constitutes a severe violation of Title VII protections.

Such behavior creates a hostile work environment and undermines the integrity and fairness of the workplace. In contrast, other options may describe behavior that does not meet the legal definition of harassment or is based on mutual consent, which lacks the coercive element central to the violation. Therefore, requiring sexual favors for job benefits is a clear-cut example of sexual harassment under Title VII, highlighting the seriousness with which the law regards misuse of power in workplace interactions.