The Progressive Caucus’ newly formed subcommittee Addressing Sexual Harassment, chaired by State Committeewoman Lauren Trapanotto and Erica Vladimer, has been working with the Sexual Harassment Working Group to demand that New York lead on combating gender-based discrimination and harassment.
The SHWG was formed by a group of seven former New York State Legislative staffers, all of whom experienced or reported sexual harassment while working for the State. See the New York Times profile. The group has finally won their campaign for a public joint legislative hearing in Albany on Wednesday, February 13th – for the first time in 20 years – in support of a #HarassmentFreeAlbany. See WNYC coverage of the Feb. 13th Hearing.
Public hearings are the first step in a stronger process to develop better laws, and this will be the first hearing on sexual harassment in 20 years.
The Progressive Caucus supports the SHWG policy recommendations, and we are urging you to support a harassment free workplace, too by:
- Calling your electeds and making sure that they support this legislation and ask that they be present at the hearing.
- Attending the hearing
- Making a public statement. If you were/are a target of harassment or assault in the workplace and feel comfortable making a public statement, you may sign up here.
- Submitting a written testimony. If you cannot attend the hearing but would like to testify, you may submit a written testimony by following these guidelines. The SHWG will be collecting testimonies after the hearing date.
- Spreading the word and sharing this information with your networks.
If you have any questions or would like to learn more, you may contact the SHWG at SexualHarassmentWorkingGroup@gmail.com
