1-21-5: CONSEQUENCES OF A VIOLATION OF THE PROHIBITION ON SEXUAL HARASSMENT:
   A.   Discipline: Disciplinary action will be taken against any employee found to have engaged in sexual harassment of any other person. The extent of sanctions may depend in part upon the length and conditions of employment of the particular employee and the nature of the offense. The Village has the right to apply any sanction or combination of sanctions, up to and including termination, to deal with unreasonable conduct or discrimination. Where a hostile work environment has been found to exist, the Village will take all reasonable steps to eliminate the conduct creating such environment. If an investigation results in a finding that the complainant falsely accused another of sexual harassment knowingly or in a malicious manner, the complainant will be subject to appropriate sanctions, including the possibility of termination.
   B.   Statutory Penalties: 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 agreement, 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 five thousand dollars ($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.
   C.   For Penalties for Knowingly Making A False Report:
      1.   False Reports: A false report is a report of sexual harassment made by an accuser using the sexual harassment report to accomplish some end other than stopping sexual harassment or retaliation for reporting sexual harassment. A false report is not a report made in good faith which cannot be proven. Given the seriousness of the consequences for the accused, a false or frivolous report is a severe offense that can itself result in disciplinary action. Any person who intentionally makes a false report alleging a violation of any provision of this policy shall be subject to discipline or discharge pursuant to applicable municipal policies, employment agreements, procedures, employee handbooks and/or collective bargaining agreements.
      2.   Statutory Penalties: In addition, any person who intentionally makes a false report alleging a violation of any provision of the State Officials and Employees Ethics Act to an ethics commission, an inspector general, the State Police, a State's Attorney, the Attorney General, or any other law enforcement official is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor. An ethics commission may levy an administrative fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000) against any person who intentionally makes a false, frivolous or bad faith allegation. (Ord. 2017-41, 12-5-2017; amd. Ord. 2020-17, 6-2-2020)