The national spotlight on sexual harassment in the workplace has resulted in more employees coming forward, sending a message that it is not going to be tolerated. Iowa is no exception, with state legislators and the Governor leading the charge by enacting a zero tolerance policy for sexual harassment in the statehouse.
The fervor to get it right likely stems in part from last year’s $1.75 million dollar sexual harassment settlement awarded to a former Iowa Senate Republican caucus worker who reported rampant sexual harassment and retaliation while working in the caucus office.
Since then, a new human resources manager has been hired to not only oversee harassment complaints, but provide training that will include anti-discrimination and anti-harassment policies and procedures as part of an overall federal and state law compliance initiative.
Recently, the efforts of the Iowa legislators and the Governor was put to the test when another employee complained about sexual harassment in the workplace, resulting in the prompt firing of the director of the Iowa Finance Agency. In the aftermath, the Governor said “she cannot legislate morality…but can lead and set an expectation” – a message that is hopefully reverberating among employers around the state who also have a responsibility to protect their employees.
Sex-based workplace discrimination is unlawful – period. It might be a matter of making offensive remarks about someone’s sex, or it could also be sexual harassment, which includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical harassment of a sexual nature. When harassment is so frequent or severe that it creates a hostile work environment or results in an adverse employment action such as termination, it’s time to push back if your employer has not taken appropriate action to stop it.
Iowa Workplace Sexual Harassment, Retaliation & Wrongful Termination Lawyers
Contact the Iowa workplace sexual harassment law offices of Marc A. Humphrey for help today if you are a victim of sex based workplace discrimination, retaliation, or wrongful termination, including sexual harassment. As many who have gone through it can attest, it is important to take a stand and hold those responsible accountable. For a free and confidential consultation, call our Des Moines employee rights law office today at 515-331-3510.
