Sexual harassment is certainly not a new problem, but the fallout from the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment and assault scandal has rocked the nation’s consciousness of this issue in industries from entertainment to business to sports. The political environment is no different as high profile resignations or retirements by accused sexual harassers like Minnesota Senator Al Franken and Michigan U.S. Representative John Conyers, Jr. illustrate,
Government bodies across the country have started taking action by, among other measures, requiring certain elected officials and staffers to attend sexual harassment training. Here are just a few examples.
U.S. House of Representatives
Sarah D. Wire of the LA Times reports that, “All members of Congress and their staffs will now take anti-sexual harassment training after the House voted Wednesday to make it mandatory. It’s the opening salvo in what House leaders promise will be a complete overhaul of how sexual harassment claims are handled since a wave of accusations have rocked Capitol Hill.”
Arizona State Employees
Joseph Flaherty of the Phoenix News Times reports that, “starting [January, 2018], Arizona is introducing an annual workplace harassment prevention training for all state employees. Employees will have to take a 30-minute training on the computer between January 2, 2018, and March 30, 2018. They’ll also have to retake the training every year.”
Idaho Legislature
Writing for Idaho’s The Spokesman-Review, Betsy Z. Russell reports that, “All Idaho state lawmakers will attend mandatory “respectful workplace training” on the second day of this year’s legislative session. House Speaker Scott Bedke and Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill also are asking all legislative staffers to attend, and are strongly encouraging lobbyists and members of the press, who work in the Capitol during the legislative session, to attend the Jan. 9 training session as well.”
Some may find it unfortunate that it has taken so many scandals involving so many victims to trigger an increase in sexual harassment training across the country, particularly within state and federal government institutions. At the same time, the fact that these bodies are taking action can be seen as a positive sign. Businesses in the private sector may be able to learn from their efforts and adopt best practices based on the effectiveness and outcomes of their work.
Recommendation: Review your harassment policies and training plans now: your employees, the public, and the press are watching.