The City of Charleston ("City") is committed to a work environment in which all individuals are treated with respect and dignity. Each individual has the right to work in a professional atmosphere that prohibits discriminatory practices, including sexual harassment. Therefore, the City expects that all relationships among persons in the workplace, including relationships with members of the public, will be business-like and free of bias, prejudice and harassment.
It is the responsibility of each and every employee, officer, official, member, agent, volunteer, and vendor of the City as well as anyone using the City's facilities, to refrain from sexual harassment. The City will not tolerate sexual harassment of or by any of its employees and elected officials. Actions, words, jokes, or comments based on an individual's sex, sexual identity or orientation, civil union partnership, or any other form of sex discrimination or harassment will not be tolerated.
This policy should not, and may not, be used as a basis for excluding or separating individuals of a particular gender, sexual orientation, civil union partnership, or any other protected characteristic, from participating in business or work-related social activities or discussions in order to avoid allegations of harassment. The law and policies of the City prohibit disparate treatment based on race, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual identity or orientation, civil union partnership, or any other protected characteristic, with regard to terms, conditions, privileges and prerequisites of employment. The prohibition against sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation are intended to complement and further these policies, not to form the basis of an exception to them.
(Ord. 18-O-2, 1-2-2018, eff. 1-2-2018; amd. Ord. 20-O-27, 10-6-2020)