New sexual harassment policy recommendations released

Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released a new sexual harassment report Friday that includes key recommendations for how the state can improve its handling of sexual harassment charges and make government workplaces safer for employees.

A review of government agencies found more than half of the 266 complaints of sexual harassment from 2012-2017 were substantiated after investigation.

At the behest of Gov. Mark Dayton, MMB Commissioner Myron Frans formed a task force of administration leaders to do a thorough review of the state’s sexual harassment policies and procedures. Recommendations include better and consistent training across state agencies and creation of an independent office for reporting and investigations.

"Today's report represents an important step forward toward a safer, more respectful workplace," MAPE Executive Director Lina Jamoul said. "Our members engaged in this process early on, and it's clear from the recommendations that their voices were heard, loud and clear. While this is an important first step, changing workplace culture doesn’t happen overnight. We are committed to working with Commissioner Frans and other state agencies to make sure these recommendations are implemented in the weeks ahead."

“As someone who has heard from MAPE members on this issue and experienced sexual harassment myself, I know the lasting harm it causes both personally and professionally. It is clear that MMB took a broad and thoughtful approach to identify solutions that extend beyond training and quick fixes. The recommendations address many of the concerns raised by our members, including lack of trust in current reporting and investigation procedures,” Johanna Schussler, MNIT business analyst, said.

MAPE surveyed its members about the state’s sexual harassment policy, and member leaders and advocates from the state’s Sexual Violence Prevention Program also hosted a discussion where members shared stories and opinions about the current state policy. Forty-five percent of survey respondents said they did not trust their agency’s human resources departments as safe contacts or resources on sexual harassment complaints.

The report found that 51 percent of complaints received from 2012-2017 were substantiated and 37 percent were not. Research shows 80 percent of employees who report sexual harassment leave the workplace within two years.

“I'm especially encouraged that administration leaders recognize the importance of a safe and welcoming environment for all state workers. We must work together to develop significant culture change to stop sexual harassment before it starts,” MAPE President Chet Jorgenson said.