As the chairs of the respective sexual-harassment panels in the Vermont House and Senate, we would like to inform the public of efforts to both prevent and address instances of sexual harassment in our state Legislature.
The House of Representatives has had a sexual harassment policy on the books since 1996. Several years ago, leadership in both chambers appointed members to serve on a panel to update the policy.
The panels had thoughtful discussions about how to move forward on this issue. With the help of our legislative legal staff, each body approved similar provisions for addressing the issue.
The basic policies include a definition of sexual harassment, along with a process for addressing complaints both informally and formally.