Sample Policy Statement

The policy promulgated by the Governor of Illinois is reproduced below. It should not be considered a "model" statement, but rather as an example of one which strongly prohibits sexual harassment and which provides a program to prevent it and establish procedures for handling complaints.

Executive Order of the Governor of Illinois
Concerning Sexual Harassment

Sexual Harassment

It is imperative that all state employees be permitted a work atmosphere free from unwanted sexual harassment. Sexual harassment is an offensive working condition which will not be tolerated by this Administration. It is a particularly sensitive issue, but it is an issue that must be dealt with openly and firmly.

Sexual harassment is unsolicited, deliberate or repeated, sexually explicit, derogatory statements, gestures or physical contacts which are objectionable to the recipient and which cause discomfort or humiliation. Sexual harassment may involve pressure from a person of either sex against a person of the opposite or same sex, and may occur in any employment relationship.

In some cases sexual harassment constitutes unlawful sex discrimination of which legal remedies are available under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended. In other cases, the nature of the harassment is such that internal personnel procedures may be the appropriate form of redress.

However, in all cases, sexual harassment undermines the integrity of the workplace, results in deleterious employment consequences to its victims, and must be eliminated.

To ensure a work environment free from sexual harassment, I hereby order as follows:

(1) The Director of the Department of Equal Employment Opportunity. . .shall be responsible for providing a program of training for the Equal Employment Opportunity officers of each Department, Agency, Board and Commission under the jurisdiction of the Governor. Such training shall include the identification of sexual harassment and the procedures for investigation and resolution of complaints.

(2) The head of each Department, Agency, Board and Commission under the jurisdiction of the Governor shall be responsible for:

(a) disseminating to each person in his or her employ appropriate information concerning the nature of sexual harassment, methods by which it may be prevented or eliminated, and organizations through which victims may seek assistance; and,

(b) briefing supervisory personnel on the problems of sexual harassment and their role in taking corrective action.

All other constitutional officers are urged to implement similar policies to assure the elimination of sexual harassment.

This Order shall not be construed to enlarge upon, nor to limit or abridge the rights of any person under the constitutions or statutes of the United States or the State of Illinois.

This Order is effective upon filing with the Secretary of State.

January 24, 1980.