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RESPECTFUL WORKPLACE & HARASSMENT PREVENTION #120
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<br />The intent of this policy is to provide general guidelines about conduct that is, and is not, appropriate
<br />in the workplace and other city-sponsored events. The city acknowledges that this policy cannot
<br />possibly predict all situations that might arise, and also recognizes that some employees are exposed
<br />to disrespectful behavior, and even violence, by the very nature of their jobs.
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<br />The City of Lake Elmo is committed to creating and maintaining a workplace free of harassment and
<br />discrimination. Such harassment is a violation of Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Minnesota
<br />Human Rights Act, and other related employment laws.
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<br />In keeping with this commitment, the city maintains a strict policy prohibiting offensive behavior
<br />and unlawful harassment, including sexual harassment. This policy prohibits harassment in any
<br />form, including verbal and physical sexual harassment.
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<br />Discriminatory behavior includes inappropriate remarks about, or conduct related to a
<br />person’s legally protected characteristics such as race, color, creed, religion, national origin, disability,
<br />sex, gender, pregnancy, marital status, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, or gender expression,
<br />familial status, or status with regard to public assistance.
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<br />This policy is intended to make all employees, volunteers, members of boards and commissions,
<br />applicants, contractors/vendors, and elected officials and members of the public aware of the matter
<br />of harassment, but specifically sexual harassment to express the city’s strong disapproval of unlawful
<br />harassment, to advise employees against this behavior and to inform them of their rights and
<br />obligations. The most effective way to address any sexual harassment issue is to bring it to the
<br />attention of management.
<br />Maintaining a work environment free from harassment is a shared responsibility.
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<br />This policy applies to all city employees, paid-on-call firefighters, City Council members, members of
<br />boards and commissions, volunteers, contractors/vendors, election judges, applicants, and members
<br />of the public, both in the workplace and other city-sponsored social events.
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<br />DEFINITIONS
<br />Unlawful Harassment – “Unlawful harassment” is conduct that has the purpose or effect of
<br />creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment; has the purpose or effect of
<br />substantially and unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance; or
<br />otherwise adversely affects an individual’s employment opportunities because of the
<br />individual’s membership in a protected class.
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<br />Sexual Harassment – “Sexual harassment” is generally defined under both state and federal
<br />law as unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other verbal or physical
<br />conduct of a sexual nature where:
<br />• Submission to or rejection of such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a
<br />term or condition of any individual’s employment or as a basis for employment
<br />decisions; or
<br />• Such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an
<br />individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work
<br />environment.
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