City of Lawrence, Kansas

STATEMENT OF INDIVIDUAL RESPECT

The City believes that each employee is an important member of the organization who deserves to be treated with respect and dignity.  Discrimination, or different treatment, because of an employee’s race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, ancestry, sexual orientation or disability is forbidden by local, state and federal laws and will not be tolerated.

Sexual harassment is a form of discrimination on the basis of sex and will not be tolerated.  Sexual harassment is defined as followed:

Unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors and other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature constitute sexual harassment when:

(a) submission to such conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or condition of an individual’s employment;

(b) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or;

(c) such conduct has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment. 

Sexually harassing behavior includes, but is not limited to, offensive comments, jokes, innuendoes, and other sexually-oriented statements, regardless of the audience.

Where employment opportunities or benefits are granted because of an individual’s submission to employer’s sexual advances or requests for sexual favors, the employer may be held liable for unlawful sex discrimination against other persons who were qualified for but denied that employment opportunity or benefits.

All City employees are responsible for creation of an atmosphere free from discrimination and harassment, sexual or otherwise.  Further, employees are responsible for respecting the rights of their co-workers.  If the City determines that an employee is guilty of harassing another employee, appropriate disciplinary action will be taken against the offending employee.

Employees who feel they may have been treated differently because of race, sex, religion, color, national origin, age, ancestry, sexual orientation or disability, should report the incident promptly to their immediate supervisor, who will investigate the matter and take appropriate action.  If it would be inappropriate to discuss the matter with the supervisor, report it directly to the Department Director and the Director of Administrative Services.  It is also the right of any employee to discuss the matter with the supervisor, report it directly to the Department Director or the Administrative Services Director.  It is also the right of any employee to discuss such matters with the staff of the Human Relations/Human Resources Department and if appropriate, file a formal complaint alleging unlawful discrimination.  All complaints will remain confidential to the maximum extent possible.

The City will not tolerate any form of retaliation against any employee for filing a complaint under this policy, or for participating in its investigation, in accordance with local, state, and federal laws.

I have received a copy of this policy, and I have read and understand this policy as written.

Employee Signature_______________________________________        Date__________________