The Evanston City Council voted Nov. 22 to adopt an updated sexual harassment policy for city staff.
The city’s previous policy was adopted in 2019. The update comes after allegations of sexual misconduct among Evanston’s lifeguards and lakefront workers and an outside investigation into the city’s handling of the allegations.
According to city documents, the updated policy will include elected officials and allow elected officials to report alleged sexual harassment.
The policy outlined by the city defines sexual harassment according to the Illinois Human Rights Act. Harassment is defined as “any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual nature.” This includes verbal, nonverbal, visual and physical conduct that may be deemed inappropriate.
According to city documents, complaints of harassment can be made orally or in writing, and any supervisor who receives a complaint must report it to human resources. Once the report is received, the city will conduct an investigation into the allegations.
The updated policy states that elected officials can request an independent review of a complaint by another elected official. Additionally, the policy states that all allegations “will be accepted and investigated regardless of how the matter comes to the attention of the city.”
The city encourages bystander intervention in cases of sexual harassment, and prohibits retaliation for reporting allegations. This includes any witnesses or participants involves with a harassment investigation.
Any city employee who violates the sexual harassment policy will face disciplinary action. The policy went into effect immediately after it was passed.
Emily Little is a freelance reporter.
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