1. Complaints.
A. Complaints of acts of sexual harassment and retaliation that are in violation of the sexual harassment policy will be accepted in writing or orally, and anonymous complaints will be taken seriously and investigated. A complaint need not be limited to someone who was the target of harassment or retaliation. Anyone who has observed sexual harassment or retaliation should report it to their immediate supervisor. In the event that it would be inappropriate to report such concerns to one’s immediate supervisors, the report may be made to the Township Secretary/Treasurer or Township Supervisor. In the event that a female employee would prefer to report a concern about sexual discrimination or harassment to another female member of the township, the Secretary/Treasurer is designated as the proper person to receive such communications.
B. Only those who have an immediate need to know, including the person to whom a report was made, the alleged target of harassment or retaliation, the alleged harasser or retaliator, and any witness will or may find out the identity of the complainant. All parties contacted in the course of an investigation will be advised that all parties involved in a charge are entitled to respect and that any retaliation or reprisal against an individual who is an alleged target of harassment or retaliation, who has made a complaint or who has provided evidence in connection with a complaint, is a separate actionable offense and subject to discipline under this policy.
2. Cooperation. An effective sexual harassment policy requires the support and example of personnel in positions of authority. The township’s agents or employees who engage in sexual harassment or retaliation or who fail to cooperate with the township-sponsored investigations of sexual harassment or retaliation may be severely sanctioned by suspension or dismissal. By the same token, officials who refuse to implement remedial measures, obstruct the remedial efforts of other township employees and/or retaliate against sexual harassment complainants or witnesses may be immediately sanctioned by suspension or dismissal.
(Res. 2015-13, passed 8-10-2015)