The village of Pleasantville has adopted a new sexual harassment prevention policy, as required by the state. The policy was unanimously approved Oct. 8 by the village Board of Trustees. The new policy defines sexual harassment and gives detailed instructions on what to do if sexual harassment occurs. You can read the policy here.

”The Village has had a sexual harassment policy in place for many years and conducts annual training for employees,” said Noreen Regan, Pleasantville Administrative Aide. “The annual training for full-time employees is conducted by outside speakers coordinated through our insurance company, which provides for a variety of presenters, but also does a great job with staying current on training requirements.”

Regan said residents who want more information about how to file sexual harassment or assault complaints should contact the village police.

This April, New York State passed legislation aimed at providing additional protection for workers against workplace harassment. According to Rachelle Dickerson, Director of External Relations at the state Division of Human Rights, “The main changes in the bill center around the general ban on mandatory arbitration clauses and nondisclosure agreements. Employers can no longer require mandatory arbitration or that sexual harassment complainant – as a condition of a settlement – keep quiet about the facts and circumstances of the harassment they endured.”

The change comes as the #MeToo and #TimesUp movements have drawn more attention to the problem of sexual harassment. “We continue to advocate for the end of sexual harassment through education and outreach programs in the community and by prosecuting those who practice sexual harassment and allow it to flourish in their workplaces,” said Dickerson.