In evaluating a hostile environment, which statement accurately reflects how derogatory terms are treated?

• A. Derogatory terms are always included.
• B. Derogatory terms are never included.
• C. Derogatory terms may be included only if the conduct is pervasive.
• D. Derogatory terms do not affect the assessment.

Answer: (C)

In evaluating a hostile environment, the key factor is whether unwelcome conduct based on sex is pervasive enough to create a discriminatory atmosphere. Derogatory terms are a form of such conduct and are weighed within the overall context—especially how often they occur and whether they form a pattern. They may be included in the assessment when the conduct is pervasive, because a pervasive use of derogatory language contributes to a hostile environment. A single offhand remark or isolated incident might not meet the threshold, but repeated or widespread derogatory terms can.

So, the statement that derogatory terms may be included only if the conduct is pervasive reflects how pervasiveness shapes whether this kind of language supports a finding of a hostile environment.