Hurley Appointed to Sexual Harassment and Discrimination Task Force

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – In effort to ensure that steps are taken to combat sexual discrimination and harassment in the workplace, state Rep. Fran Hurley, D-Chicago, was recently appointed to the House Task Force on Sexual Discrimination and Harassment.

“It is unacceptable that men and women are dealing with sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace,” Hurley said. “Victims often times remain silent because they fear demotion or termination. The first step to addressing this issue is to change the culture.”

Earlier this month, the House adopted House Joint Resolution 83, which resolves to change a culture that tolerates harassment in the Capitol and passed Senate Bill 402, which will require sexual harassment training for legislators, staffers and lobbyists. The task force will work to review the current laws in place and make recommendations for further legislative action. These recommendations will seek to improve report of allegations, protect victims and prevent further discrimination and harassment.

Representative Hurley attended the first hearing which was held on November 27 in the Michael A. Bilandic Building in Chicago. The committee heard from two panels; Women Employed and the Attorney General’s Office where they discussed the definition of sexual assault and harassment.

“Illinois is leading the charge across the nation to combat sexual harassment by putting the most progressive policies in place,” Hurley said. “It is important to be forward thinking in these situations, and, while there is still work to be done, this is a step in the right direction to change the culture and end sexual harassment in workplaces throughout the state.”