With our free press under threat and federal funding for public media gone, your support matters more than ever. Help keep the LAist newsroom strong, become a monthly member or increase your support today .
Supervisors order review of LA County's sexual harassment policies
Listen
• 0:54
The Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles houses the County Equity Oversight Panel, which handles complaints from county employees regarding sexual harassment.
(
Susanica Tam for KPCC
)
Four of the five Los Angeles County supervisors are female and their awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace emerged during a discussion Tuesday of how the county can improve procedures for its own employees filing complaints of inappropriate behavior.
Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, in her first meeting as board chair, recounted unwanted hugs during her time in the state Legislature.
Supervisor Janice Hahn, who spent over five years in the U.S. House, said the procedures for reporting sexual harassment claims in Congress are "horrible." And Supervisor Kathryn Barger supported a "self-review" to see how the county can do better.
After a short discussion, the board voted unanimously to back a proposal from Kuehl and Supervisor Hilda Solis to order a speedy review of the county’s sexual harassment policies. The board action requires the Executive Office, County Counsel staff and the Department of Human Resources "to provide a report next week on the County's reporting process, including a description of current practices and a detailed opinion on whether any improvements should be considered."
Support for LAist comes from
Solis said the county has long had a strong program to address sexual harassment and other forms of inappropriate behavior in the workplace. “However, I do believe it’s important for us at this time to review Los Angeles County’s reporting process to determine its effectiveness and applicability during these times,” she said.
Vickey Bane, the executive director of the county's Equity Oversight Panel, told KPCC last week no improvements or changes are needed to the county's policies.
But Bane also said her department has seen an uptick in the filing of sexual harassment complaints since recent high-profile sexual allegations surfaced nationwide.
At LAist, we believe in journalism without censorship and the right of a free press to speak truth to those in power. Our hard-hitting watchdog reporting on local government, climate, and the ongoing housing and homelessness crisis is trustworthy, independent and freely accessible to everyone thanks to the support of readers like you.
But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
The Newport Beach City Council approved a new artificial surf park that will replace part of an aging golf course. -
The utility, whose equipment is believed to have sparked the Eaton Fire, says payouts could come as quickly as four months after people submit a claim. But accepting the money means you'll have to forego any lawsuits. -
The City Council will vote Tuesday on a proposal to study raising the pay for construction workers on apartments with at least 10 units and up to 85 feet high. -
The study found recipients spent nearly all the money on basic needs like food and transportation, not drugs or alcohol. -
Kevin Lee's Tokyo Noir has become one of the top spots for craft-inspired cocktails. -
A tort claim obtained by LAist via a public records request alleges the Anaheim procurement department lacks basic contracting procedures and oversight.
Best of LAist