State Rep. Walker Supports Anti-Harassment Task Force

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Working to eliminate harassment within the workplace, state Rep. Mark Walker, D-Arlington Heights, is backing legislation to create a Private Sector Workplace Anti-Harassment Task Force that will work with advocates, stakeholders and businesses to create recommendations to address the issue.

“Sexual harassment of any sort is never acceptable,” Walker said. “Unfortunately, it can be found in almost industry, and can particularly hurt women. This task force will review and suggest needed practices to keep all workers safe from sexual harassment.”

Under House Bill 905, the task force would be comprised of legislators from both state chambers, sexual assault and harassment prevention advocates, and representatives from the business community, LGBTQ organizations, organizations representing immigrants, and organizations focused on the advancement of minorities in the workplace, among others. If created, the Task Force will create best practices regarding reporting, investigating and resolving sexual harassment claims.

“In the wake of the #MeToo Movement, important steps have been taken to eliminate sexual harassment in the work place,” Walker said. “However, there is still more work to do to ensure that everyone can work in a healthy, respectful environment.”