Intent vs. Impact Examples
Joey loves to tell funny stories and keep the spirit of good cheer alive in the lab. One morning, he spies Jessica looking a little tired and depressed. To cheer her up, he tells her a silly story with sexual innuendo.
Jessica looks offended and moves away hurriedly.
Joey didn't mean any harm, but what one person may intend as genuine friendship (even if in a clumsy way) may be perceived quite differently by another.
Does this mean that an unintentional slight of someone can contribute to hostile environment sexual harassment?
YES, it does. It is the impact of the behavior, not the intent, that matters with regards to sexual harassment.