Hostile Work Environment Continues to be the most misunderstood concept in employment law. In order to be a hostile work environment it must be based upon a protected characteristic or protected activity. The NY Knicks are in the NBA Finals. If my boss gives me hard time because I am Knicks fan it is NOT a hostile work environment as being a Knicks fan is not a protected characteristic although maybe it should be:) Go NY Knicks!!! #employee #hostileworkenvironment #Newyorkknicks #employers #host