Sexual Harassment Policy

This company is committed to providing a workplace that is free from all forms of discrimination, including sexual harassment. Any employee's behavior that fits the definition of sexual harassment is a form of misconduct which may result in disciplinary action up to and including dismissal. Sexual harassment could also subject this company and, in some cases, an individual to substantial civil penalties.

The company's policy on sexual harassment is part of its overall affirmative action efforts pursuant to state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination based on age, race, color, religion, national origin, citizenship status, unfavorable discharge from the military, marital status, disability, and gender. Specifically, sexual harassment is prohibited by the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended in 1991, the Illinois Human Rights Act and the Urbana Human Rights Ordinance.

Each employee of this company bears the responsibility to refrain from sexual harassment in the workplace. No employee, male or female, should be subjected to unsolicited or unwelcome sexual overtures or conduct in the workplace. Furthermore, it is the responsibility of all supervisors to make sure that the work environment is free from sexual harassment. All forms of discrimination and conduct which can be considered harassing, coercive or disruptive, or which create a hostile or offensive environment must be eliminated. Instances of sexual harassment must be investigated in a prompt and effective manner.

All employees of this company, particularly those in a supervisory or management capacity, are expected to become familiar with the contents of this Policy and to abide by the requirements it establishes.

Sexual Harassment is illegal;
According to the Illinois Human Rights Act, sexual harassment is defined as: Any unwelcome sexual advances or requests for sexual favors or any conduct of a sexual
nature when;

(1) submission to such conduct is made, either explicitly or implicitly, a term or condition of an individual's employment.
(2) submission to or rejection of such conduct by an individual is used as the basis for employment decisions affecting such individual, or
(3) such conduct has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual's work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive working environment.

The courts have determined that sexual harassment is a form of discrimination under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended in 1991. Conduct commonly considered to be sexual harassment includes:

• Verbal: sexual innuendos, suggestive comments, insults, humor and jokes about sex, anatomy or gender-specific traits, sexual propositions, threats, repeated requests for dates, or statements about other employees, even outside their presence, of a sexual nature.
• Non-verbal: Suggestive or insulting sounds (whistling), leering, obscene gestures, sexually suggestive bodily gestures, "catcalls", "smacking", or "kissing" noises.
• Visual: posters, signs, pin-ups or slogans of a sexual nature.
• Physical: Touching, unwelcome hugging or kissing, pinching, brushing the body, coerced sexual intercourse, or actual assault.

Sexual harassment most frequently involves a man harassing a woman. However, it can also involve a woman harassing a man or harassment between members of the same gender.

Each individual employee has the responsibility to refrain from sexual harassment in the workplace.

An individual employee who sexually harasses a fellow worker is, of course, liable for his or her individual conduct.

The harassing employee will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including discharge in accord with the company's disciplinary policy and the terms of any applicable collective bargaining agreement.

The company has designated Jessica Frazier, Owner/President to coordinate the company's sexual harassment policy compliance. Ms. Frazier can be reached at 709 Hilltop Dr, Sparland, IL 61565 - (309)469-2172. She is available to consult with employees regarding their obligations under this policy.

Each supervisor is responsible for maintaining the workplace free from sexual harassment. This is accomplished by promoting a professional environment and by dealing with sexual harassment as with all other forms of employee misconduct. A supervisor must address an observed incident of sexual harassment or a complaint, with seriousness, take prompt action to investigate it, report it, and end it, implement appropriate disciplinary action, and observe strict confidentiality. This also applies to cases where an employee tells the supervisor about behavior that constitutes sexual harassment but does not want to make a formal complaint.

In addition, supervisors must ensure that no retaliation will result against an employee making a sexual harassment complaint.

Supervisors in need of information regarding their obligations under this policy or procedures to follow upon receipt of a complaint of sexual harassment should contact:

Jessica Frazier (Owner/President)
709 Hilltop Dr,
Sparland, IL 61565
(309)469-2172