Last month The New Yorker published a story detailing
years of claimed sexual harassment and misconduct by Hollywood
producer Harvey Weinstein. Since then, it seems that every day
features new allegations of similarly inappropriate behavior by
public figures, from actors, to authors, to public radio
executives. It is unclear whether this is a long- or short-term
trend. It is, however, an opportune time for employers to review
their own policies and procedures in place to prevent and respond
to claims of sexual harassment.
Sexual harassment policies should be clear and unambiguous as to
what is not appropriate for the workplace. They should prohibit
unwelcomed sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or any
other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature. Policies
should also make it clear that submission to such conduct must not
be an implicit or explicit condition of employment, that response
to such conduct will not serve as a basis for continued
