Preventing Sexual Harassment for Employees – New York Course Overview
Sexual harassment is a pervasive and persistent problem in our society and workplaces. In the wake of the #MeToo movement and the resulting nationwide conversation about sexual harassment, more people are coming forward and sharing their stories. In response, the State of New York and the City of New York passed legislation requiring employers to step up and do more to prevent sexual harassment in their workplaces.
New York State law requires all employers—regardless of size—to provide annual interactive sexual harassment prevention training to all employees working in New York State, including supervisors and managers. New York City law applies to employers with 15 or more employees and covers employees who work in New York City for more than 80 hours in a calendar year, as well as temporary employees engaged for more than 90 days. This comprehensive course meets both New York State and New York City training requirements, providing employees with awareness of New York laws and issues relating to sexual harassment in the workplace.
Preventing Sexual Harassment for Employees – New York Course Content
Lesson 1: Introduction and Objectives
Sexual harassment prevalence and #MeToo movement impact, New York legislative response requiring employer action, training mandates under NYS and NYC law, annual training requirements, course objectives
Lesson 2: Defining Sexual Harassment
Legal definitions under federal and New York law, quid pro quo vs. hostile work environment harassment, examples of sexual harassment, gender-based harassment, unwelcome conduct standard, New York protections beyond federal minimums
Lesson 3: What the Law Says
Federal protections under Title VII, New York State Human Rights Law, NYC Human Rights Law, protected characteristics, employer size thresholds and training requirements, enforcement agencies (EEOC, NYS Division of Human Rights, NYC Commission on Human Rights), retaliation protections, filing deadlines
Lesson 4: Reporting Sexual Harassment
Internal reporting procedures and multiple reporting channels, what to include in reports, documenting incidents and preserving evidence, employer investigation obligations, external reporting options (NYS Division of Human Rights 1-3 year deadline, NYC Commission 3-year deadline, EEOC 300-day deadline), dual filing procedures
Lesson 5: Preventing Sexual Harassment
Individual responsibility for professional conduct, maintaining appropriate boundaries, speaking up when uncomfortable, bystander intervention training (New York requirement: recognizing harassment, safe intervention strategies, supporting victims), organizational prevention measures, creating culture of respect
