HARASSMENT IN THE WORKPLACE POLICY

     All Library Employees have the right to work in an environment free from harassment.  It is the law and therefore the policy of the Library that any harassment, but especially on the basis of sex or gender is unacceptable conduct in the work place and is not and will not be tolerated. 

Any harassment directed at another person because of that person’s gender or sex is considered sexual harassment whether or not the harassment is “sexual” in nature.  This policy also applies to same-sex sexual harassment as well as harassment of members of the opposite sex. 

If a person of the victim’s gender would consider the conduct intimidating, hostile, or as creating an offensive working environment, then harassment has occurred.

     The intent of this policy is to create an environment and climate within the work place that fosters responsible behavior, respect for all individuals, and an environment which is free from harassment.

     It is the Library’s policy to prohibit harassment of any employee by another employee, management representative, business invitee, vendor, or member of the public.

     Harassment on the basis of sex or gender directed to any employee, male or female, is a violation of State and Federal Law. 

Under law and under this policy, harassment includes, but is not limited to, unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature when:

·         submission is made either explicitly or implicitly a condition of employment; or

·         submission or rejection is used as a basis for employment decisions; or

·         such conduct has the purpose or effect of interfering with someone’s work

              performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

     The intent of a person conducting such harassing behavior is irrelevant.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees

15 February 2006

Copyright © 2006, Krista Wittenberg
Revised -- 5/1/2006