A. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, prohibits employment discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, age or national origin. Sexual harassment is included among the prohibitions.

B. According to the United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), sexual harassment consists of unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors or other verbal or physical acts of a sexual or sex-based nature when (1) submission to that conduct is made either explicitly or implicitly a term or a condition of an individual’s employment; (2) an employment decision is based on an individual’s acceptance or rejection of that conduct; or (3) that conduct interferes with an individual’s work performance or creates an intimidating, hostile or offensive working environment.

C. It also is unlawful to retaliate or take reprisals in any way against an employee who has articulated a good faith concern about sexual harassment or discrimination against him or her or against another individual.

D. Examples of conduct that would be considered sexual harassment or constitute retaliation are presented in PMC 4.90.010. These examples are provided to illustrate the kind of conduct proscribed by this chapter. This list is not exhaustive.

E. Sexual harassment is unlawful, and the prohibited conduct exposes not only the city, but also the individuals involved in that conduct, to significant liability under the law. Accordingly, the city is committed to enforcing this policy regarding sexual harassment at all levels within the city. Employees should treat other employees with respect and dignity in a manner that does not offend the sensibilities of a coworker in a manner prohibited by law. (Ord. 12-001 § 3, 2013)