Governor Kathy Hochul has encouraged New Yorkers to attend the New York State Department of Labor’s in-person public hearing to receive feedback from workers, employers, and other stakeholders regarding the state’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy for employers. This hearing is part of an ongoing process to strengthen the state’s Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy and underscores the State’s commitment to helping employers implement best practices free-of-charge.
The hearing will take place on September 15, 2022, at 10 a.m. in the Adam Clayton Powell Jr. State Office Building, Second Floor Community Room, (163 West 125th Street, New York, NY). Doors will open at 9:30 a.m.
“The pandemic had caused tremendous damage to our workforce, and we must modernize our Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy in order to keep pace,” Governor Hochul said. “I encourage all New Yorkers to take advantage of this public comment period to make their voices heard, and to help ensure that our state continues to lead the nation in providing safe, inclusive work environments. No one should be subjected to any form of sexual harassment in the workplace, and we are taking an important step in protecting New Yorkers in a comprehensive, effective way.”
New York State Department of Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon said, “The Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy was a bold and successful initiative, but over the past four years, workplaces have significantly changed in many ways, due largely to the effects of the pandemic and the growth of remote work. To ensure this initiative keeps up with evolving workplaces, the policy is required to undergo a revision process every four years. Our review will rely heavily on the feedback received at this public hearing, because we know how important it is for workers and businesses to have a voice in this process. We encourage everyone and anyone to attend.”
During the hearing, the public will have the opportunity to provide their feedback before a panel that will include Commissioner Reardon, New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria Imperial, and Elizabeth Fine, Counsel to Governor Hochul.
New York State Division of Human Rights Commissioner Maria L. Imperial said, “New York State takes civil rights of workers very seriously. We want to hear from everyday New Yorkers to understand what is happening on the ground in order to build better, more equitable, and inclusive workplaces free from sexual harassment.”
This announcement builds on Governor Hochul’s commitment to strengthening New York’s nation-leading Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy for employers. In July, she announced that members of the public were invited to provide feedback on the current Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy through this secure form. New Yorkers who are unable to attend the September 15th hearing may continue to submit statements through the NY.gov form through September 20, 2022.
The current Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy was created in 2018 as part of New York State’s commitment to establishing safer and more equitable workplaces by requiring all employers, regardless of size, to adopt a sexual harassment prevention policy and provide annual training to employees. The legislation included the provision that the Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy be reviewed and revised every four years. The workplace is constantly changing, and the state is committed improving its Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy to reflect the evolution of the world of work.
Anyone wishing to provide testimony or attend should sign up through this secure registration form. Testimony will be given in the order people have registered. Media wishing to attend should RSVP through the same form. If attending, please bring identification for security purposes.
For more information on the current Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy go to Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace and to provide feedback visit the Model Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy page.
If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, file a report online or call DHR’s new toll-free sexual harassment hotline at 1-800-HARASS-3 Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
