Columbus Consolidated Government
Council Meeting
September 5, 2006
Agenda Report #
TO: Mayor and Council
SUBJECT: Discrimination & Harassment Policy
INITIATED: Human Resources Department at request of City Attorney
Recommendation: Approve an ordinance adopting Human Resources Policy Number
220-601, Discrimination & Harassment Policy and repealing Affirmative Action
Policy Number 905, Sexual Harassment.
Background: Claims of discrimination and harassment continue to be problems in
workplaces across the country and in many instances result in time-consuming
responses to Equal Employment Opportunity Commission inquiries and/or
potentially expensive litigation. Although we have similar existing policies
and a long-standing practice of addressing these behaviors appropriately,
outside employment law counsel has suggested the adoption of new policies that
encompass the latest best-practice language and protocol.
Analysis: Adoption and distribution of the new policy along with obtaining the
required acknowledgements of receipt will send a strong message to all
employees of our continued resolve to maintain a workplace free from
discrimination and harassment.
Legal: As required by ?8-303 of the Charter, the Council must authorize
changes to personnel policies and procedures.
Financial Considerations: The initial financial impact is limited to the cost
of producing and distributing the policy to all employees. The longer term
savings potential of the new policy cannot be accurately measured but could
include: 1) productivity efficiencies gained with avoidance of these
unacceptable behaviors, including less utilization of sick leave and health
care benefits; and 2) from avoiding regulatory agency investigations and
litigation.
Recommendation/Actions: The City Attorney, Human Resources and the City
Manager recommend adoption of the proposed policy.
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