Sexual Harassment Policy
Taylor County Public Library is committed to providing a work environment that is free from all forms of discrimination and conduct that can be considered harassing, coercive, or disruptive, including sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment is defined as unwanted sexual advances, or visual, verbal, or physical conduct of a sexual nature. This definition includes many forms of offensive behavior and includes gender-based harassment of a person of the same sex as the harasser. The following is a partial list of sexual harassment examples:
- Unwanted sexual advances
- Offering employment benefits in exchange for sexual favors
- Making or threatening reprisals after a negative response to sexual advances
- Visual conduct that includes leering, making sexual gestures, or displaying of sexually suggestive objects, pictures, cartoons, or posters
- Verbal conduct that includes making or using derogatory comments, epithets, slurs, or jokes
- Verbal sexual advances or propositions
- Verbal abuse of a sexual nature, graphic verbal commentaries about an individual’s body, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, or suggestive or obscene letter, notes, or invitations
- Physical conduct that includes touching, assaulting, or impeding or blocking movements
If you experience or witness sexual or other unlawful harassment at work, report it immediately to the Library Director. If the Director is unavailable or you believe it would be inappropriate to discuss it with the Library Director, you should immediately contact a member of the Library Board. There will not be punishment or reprisal if you report sexual harassment or raise concerns about it.
All allegations of sexual harassment will be quickly and discreetly investigated. To the extent possible, your confidentiality and the confidentiality of any witnesses and the alleged harasser will be protected against unnecessary disclosure.
When the investigation is completed, you will be informed of the outcome of the investigation.
Any employee who becomes aware of possible sexual or other unlawful harassment must immediately advise the Library Director so it can be investigated in a timely and confidential manner. Any employee who engages in sexual or other unlawful harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment. |
