Minnesota Senate Adopts New Non-Discrimination and Anti-Harassment Policy

The Senate Committee on Rules and Administration unanimously passed a new, wide-sweeping non-discrimination and anti-harassment policy for Senators and Senate employees today. The policy is the result of a bipartisan working group that focused on increasing training, providing accountability for staff and Senators, and protecting the privacy of individuals. The policy is effective immediately and replaces the previous policy, which was adopted in 1990. 

“This process was thoughtful and collaborative amongst the two caucuses and non-partisan staff,” Senator Michele Benson, chair the working group and said.  “We all came to the table and worked diligently to balance the rights of the accused with justice for the victims. This policy improves trust and accountability in the Senate among our employees, our senators, and the public.”

A summary of changes: 

  • All Senators and Senate staff will be required to go through non-discrimination and anti-harassment training every two years, rather than every five years in the previous policy.
  • Victims of or witnesses to harassment may report the incident to any designated contact person who will report the complaint to the non-partisan Human Resources director for an immediate internal investigation or a private hearing conducted by a retired judge.
  • When complaint is brought against a Senator, both Majority and Minority caucus leaders will be notified, and the respective caucus will be responsible for appropriate disciplinary action. An appeal may be made to the Subcommittee on Ethical Conduct in a closed session for review. 
  • The policy affirms the victim’s right to notify the Minnesota Department of Human Rights or make a criminal complaint to authorities at any time.
  • The policy requires its own review every other year to keep the policy up to date with modern anti-harassment law and policies.
  • The policy and training will be made available to lobbyists. 
  • Each year the Director of Human Resources shall provide a report on the number of complaints and investigations, and any amount spent on retaining outside entities for investigations to the Senate and file it with the legislative reference library.