State law. State Labor Department strengthens policy on sexual harassment prevention

The New York State Department of Labor has released a revised nation-leading Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy.

The updated policy adds new language to include remote workers, defines different gender identities and expands on gender discrimination, and provides examples of sexual harassment and retaliation across a broader spectrum of careers.

It also includes bystander intervention methods to empower workers to intervene in instances where they witness harassment in their workspace. The new policy was written so New Yorkers can better understand their rights at the workplace.

The public now has 30 days to provide comment on the policy.

“I thank the many New Yorkers who participated in this process. Your feedback is making New York State stronger and safer for everyone at the workplace,” said State Labor Commissioner Roberta Reardon.

The original Sexual Harassment Prevention Model Policy was created in 2018. The legislation included the provision that the policy be reviewed and revised every four years. Workplaces are constantly changing, and the state is committed to strengthening its policy to reflect the evolution of the world of work.

For more information, go to Combating Sexual Harassment in the Workplace.

If you or someone you know is experiencing sexual harassment in the workplace, file a report online or call the state’s new toll-free sexual harassment hotline at 1-800-HARASS-3 weekdays 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.