New Hampshire’s Executive Council adopted a policy against sexual harassment Wednesday, its first in more than two centuries of operation.
In a unanimous voice vote, councilors voted to add the new policy to its “Manual of Procedures” – the document governing the council’s procedure and conduct. The new language specifically adds councilors, their staff and interns to the existing sexual harassment policy that applies to the executive branch.
“Every institution or organization needs to have (these) policies in place,” said Councilor Joseph Kenney, a Union Republican. “We need to, as leaders, know that we have up-to-date policies in place to address that.”
Under the new policy, anyone with a complaint against a councilor can approach a different councilor and make a report. Alternatively, the person can report to the Attorney General; employees can go to the director of the Division of Personnel.
Reports are then to be “promptly investigated,” and “appropriate action will be taken depending on the nature and severity of any proven incident,” according to the text. The policy covers a range of unwelcome behavior, including sexual advances, physical contact or commentary.
But while the policy outlines a clear reporting process, policing the behavior through “corrective action” is left up to the Executive Council itself.
“The Executive Council may be constitutionally limited with regard to formal discipline such as reprimand, censure, or expulsion,” the policy reads.
Regardless, the policy recommends options for action while an investigation proceeds, including denying the alleged harasser temporary access to the complainant, and putting in place protective measures for the alleged victim.
For the Executive Council, a change to its Manual of Procedures is uncommon, according to Charlie Arlinghaus, the state’s Administrative Services Commissioner. Typically efforts to do so center around a long-running debate: whether to change the minimum dollar amount at which contracts must come before the committee (currently at $25,000).
But councilors Wednesday welcomed the vote.
“It’s an important signal that we’re sending to each other and the rest of the state that discrimination and harassment won’t be tolerated even at the highest level of government,” said Chris Pappas, D-Manchester.
(Ethan DeWitt can be reached at edewitt@cmonitor.com, or on Twitter at @edewittNH.)