It is unlawful to harass a person because of that person's
sex. The courts have determined that sexual harassment is a form of
discrimination under Title VII of the U.S. Civil Rights Act of 1964,
as amended in 1991. All persons have a right to work in an environment
free from sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is unacceptable misconduct
which affects individuals of all genders and sexual orientations.
It is a policy of the City of Lexington to prohibit harassment of
any person by any municipal official, municipal agent, municipal employee
or municipal agency or office on the basis of sex or gender. All municipal
officials, municipal agents, municipal employees and municipal agencies
or offices are prohibited from sexually harassing any person, regardless
of any employment relationship or lack thereof.
In addition to any and all other discipline that may be applicable
pursuant to municipal policies, employment agreements, procedures,
employee handbooks and/or collective bargaining agreements, any person
who violates this policy or the prohibition on sexual harassment contained
in 5 ILCS 430/5-65 may be subject to a fine of up to $5,000 per offense,
applicable discipline or discharge by the municipality and any applicable
fines and penalties established pursuant to local ordinance, state
law or federal law. Each violation may constitute a separate offense.
Any discipline imposed by the municipality shall be separate and distinct
from any penalty imposed by an ethics commission and any fines or
penalties imposed by a court of law or a state or federal agency.