Discrimination and harassment are adverse to this work environment and will not be tolerated by the City. It is the policy of the City of Hopkins to maintain a work environment free from all forms of harassing and discriminatory behavior, including all forms of harassment or discrimination directed towards a person's race, ethnicity, gender, age, physical or mental abilities, or gender preference. Therefore, the use of disparaging terms, derogatory remarks and displays of insensitive treatment, directly or indirectly, will not be tolerated. This policy pertains to every aspect of an individual's work relationship with the City, including recruitment, selection, placement, transfers, promotions, demotions, compensation, benefits, training and development, social and recreational programs away from work, terminations and all other terms and conditions of employment. This policy applies to all of the City s employees, HRA employees, elected officials, members of boards and commissions, volunteer firefighters, police reserve, and other volunteer personnel as well as consultants rendering professional services to the City.
Sexual harassment is a form of gender discrimination and can be directed at both men and women.
It is illegal and unacceptable behavior which will be subject to appropriate disciplinary action. The action has the purpose or effect of unreasonably interfering with the recipient's work performance or creating an intimidating hostile or offensive work environment. A sexual harasser may be the victim's employer, manager, coworker, employee, or any other non-employee doing business with the City. Sexual harassment may include behaviors or actions directed at the victim or occurring within the victim's work environment, ranging from sexual comments, sexist remarks, unsolicited and unwanted touching, subtle pressure for sexual activity, demands for sexual favors and can include physical assault. It is the City s policy to deal with complaints of discriminatory or harassing behavior swiftly and completely.