GENDER DISCRIMINATION and sexual harassment on the job are not problems limited to women. Men can be victims, too.

Although men account for only a relatively small percentage of the sexual harassment charges filed with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, their numbers are growing.

As reported on page 3, the percentage filing claims with the EEOC was 16% in 2009, up from 8% in 1990. Many cases involved male-on-male harassment.

The issue of male gender discrimination in general has gotten attention with the recent suit filed by a former stage manager for NBC's “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon,” which alleged that Mr. Fallon said he preferred to take direction from a woman.

Observers attribute the increase to greater awareness by men of their rights under federal law as their employers conduct anti-discrimination and anti-harassment training and, perhaps, the ailing economy.

Meanwhile, although federal law does not recognize gender orientation per se, courts are acknowledging gender discrimination in their rulings.

No employer wants to deal with an EEOC complaint and possibly face litigation and/or significant fines, along with the accompanying blow to their company's reputation.

Clearly, employers have to be on the lookout for sexual harassment and gender discrimination affecting all of their employees, regardless of their gender.