New York State recently enacted legislation partnering with employers across the state in furtherance of a commitment to end sexual harassment in the workplace. As a part of this legislation, all employers in New York are required to establish a sexual harassment prevention policy. We are taking this opportunity to remind all our employees of Hofstra’s longstanding commitment to combat sexual harassment and all forms of unlawful harassment in the workplace.
- Hofstra University has long had a Harassment Policy prohibiting both sexual harassment, as is now required by New York State law, and all forms of unlawful harassment. The Harassment Policy Complaint form is available through the University's Non-Discrimination Policy.
- Sexual Harassment and retaliation are considered forms of employee misconduct prohibited not only by Hofstra University policy but also by New York State’s Labor Law and Human Rights Law, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and other applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations relating to sexual harassment.
- All University supervisory personnel should report any possible harassment under the Harassment Policy that comes to their attention to the Chief Human Resources Officer or Equal Rights and Opportunity Officer.
- Pursuant to New York State law, disciplinary action up to and including termination, consistent with any applicable collective bargaining agreement, will be taken against those who engage in sexual harassment or other forms of unlawful harassment and against supervisory personnel who knowingly allow sexual harassment or other forms of unlawful harassment to continue.
- Also as a part of this new legislation, each employee must receive sexual harassment prevention training on an annual basis. As a result, all Hofstra personnel should be alert for upcoming sexual harassment training initiatives from our Human Resources department.
For more information about Hofstra University’s policies and personnel relating to equal opportunity, including important contact information, please refer to the University’s Nondiscrimination Policy.