CAO Message: We Have No Tolerance for Sexual Harassment

A message from Chief Administrative Officer Helen Robbins-Meyer:

Most of you are aware of recent events that have put the topic of sexual harassment in the workplace back in the spotlight.

I want all employees to hear from me directly, in no uncertain terms: we have no tolerance for sexual harassment here. Zero.

I want that message understood and reinforced at every level of the organization. I’m delivering it to my executive team, and I expect them to pass it to their direct reports, and so forth, until it reaches every single employee. If you run a staff meeting, you need to put it on the agenda and discuss it. Everyone needs to get the message, and if it comes from multiple angles, that’s fine. Our County culture allows no room for sexual harassment.

Part of that message is that each of you has the right to speak up if you’ve been the target of harassment or misconduct. To speak up without fear of repercussion. To have your concerns taken seriously and followed up on according to the robust County policies we have in place.

Not only do you have the right, I encourage you to speak up if there’s a problem. And if you witness an instance of harassment, you have an obligation to report it. 

People subjected to this kind of misconduct often struggle with whether to say anything. They don’t want to be disruptive or they’re afraid of consequences, especially if the harasser is in a more powerful position. I don’t want anyone to think they need to stay silent. This organization supports you and an environment free of harassment.

I hope you’re comfortable talking to your supervisor, but if not, go to your upper management or your director. If you don’t feel that’s an option, talk to your department’s human resources representative or call the Department of Human Resources at 619-531-5100. You can also use the County’s Ethics Hotline, either by calling (866) 549-0004 or filing a complaint online. Whatever avenue works best for you, please report it.

The County has put a lot of thought and effort into developing sexual harassment prevention trainings. We want them to have real impact. We have one training all employees are required to take and a separate one required for anyone who supervises staff. I urge you to pay close attention and really think about the scenarios presented. My hope is you never experience any of those behaviors. But we keep getting reminders that these things do happen, and we need everyone prepared to respond.  

I want this to be a great place to work. I ask that we at the County all raise our awareness, vigilance and openness on the topic so that sexual harassment never finds a place here, and we foster a culture where employees can reach their full potential.