Pursuant to guidelines developed by the Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission, "sexual harassment" shall be defined as unwelcome
verbal or physical sexual advances and requests for sexual favors,
and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute
harassment when:
Such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially
interfering with an individual's work, or creating an intimidating,
hostile or offensive work environment.
Sexual harassment includes, but is not limited to,
sexually suggestive gesturing; verbal harassment or abuse of a sexual
nature; subtle or direct pressure for sexual involvement; unwanted
references to one's physical appearance, or sexuality; comments
or actions which ridicule or humiliate; physical assault; and any
unnecessary touching.
Sexual harassment in any form is prohibited in Village
of Delhi employment. Employees who violate this prohibition shall
be subject to discipline in accordance with relevant provisions of
the Civil Service Law, the Collective Bargaining Agreement covering
the person's employment, or such other personnel policies as
may relate to the individual's employment. Depending upon the
circumstances, disciplinary action may include termination of employment,
or such other action as is deemed suitable, including requiring an
employee to participate in appropriate training to instruct and sensitize
the employee on issues of sexual harassment.
Allegations and complaints of sexual harassment will
be swiftly and thoroughly investigated by the Village to substantiate
the same. Because of the sensitive nature of the issue of sexual harassment,
particular efforts will be made to conduct investigations with due
regard for the confidentiality of the complainant and the alleged
violator. The rights of both complainant and alleged violator shall
be protected. Every effort will be made to address and resolve these
matters in house; however, no actions will be taken to prevent or
discourage complainants from seeking assistance from outside enforcement
agencies.
Department heads and supervisory staff shall be responsible
for discouraging sexual harassment in any form and dealing with it
quickly and decisively if it should occur.