On January 4, 2018

Gov. Scott calls for anti-harassment training

By Elizabeth Hewitt, VTDigger

The state has investigated 52 claims of sexual harassment reported by state employees since 2014, according to the Vermont Department of Human Resources.

Disciplinary action was taken in two cases in 2016 and two cases in 2017. (Penalties can range from a reprimand to dismissal.)

The number of complaints spiked in 2015 to 27, of which 14 involved the Department of Corrections. So far this year, there have been investigations into 10 complaints, as in 2016, according to officials.

“All sexual harassment complaints received by DHR are investigated,” said Matthew DiBella, staff attorney for DHR.

In the wake of sexual harassment allegations across the country, the Scott administration is requiring all employees in the state’s executive branch to participate in training aimed at preventing sexual harassment.

Gov. Phil Scott directed the state to review all sexual harassment policies currently in place.

The policies were determined to be “current and in line with best practices,” according to statement issued Friday. However, DHR did recommend improving training requirements to prevent workplace misconduct.

“What we’ve seen and heard about the prevalence of harassment and assault from many across the country is disappointing, and it is clear we must all take a strong stand against this abuse,” Scott said in a statement.

The directive issued Friday requires state employees to participate in a sexual harassment prevention course through the Center for Achievement in Public Service. DHR has already scheduled 400 trainings across the state, according to DHR Commissioner Beth Fastiggi.

Fastiggi said in an interview Friday that the state’s policies for reviewing sexual misconduct claims are sound. “We work really hard to make sure any complaint is addressed and if it’s substantiated then we address that accordingly,” she said.

Fastiggi said she anticipates that the state could see an increase in reports of workplace misconduct with the implementation of the new training program, because more people may come forward.

Steve Howard, executive director of the Vermont State Employees’ Association, applauded the Scott administration’s move to step up training.

“I do believe that any emphasis on increased training, increased awareness of this issue is probably beneficial because sexual harassment is about the abuse of power mostly,” Howard said. However, he said the state’s policies on sexual harassment must be “aggressively enforced.”

Howard said he is not aware of many instances of state employees union members reporting workplace misconduct. However, he argued that the union provides a level of support for employees with sexual harassment complaints.

Do you want to submit feedback to the editor?

Send Us An Email!

Related Posts

Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but fewer chicks are surviving

July 2, 2025
By Izzy Wagner/VTDigger Vermont’s adult loon population is at an all-time high, but scientists have noticed a recent decrease in the number of chicks surviving. In 2024, Vermont saw a record-breaking 123 nesting pairs, 11 of which landed at first-time nesting sites. Out of the 125 loon chicks that hatched in 2024, 65% survived through the…

Vermont State University graduates 414 nurses, boosting local health care workforce

July 2, 2025
Vermont State University (VTSU) has graduated 414 new nurses this year, marking a significant step forward in addressing the state’s ongoing health care workforce shortage. With approximately 92% of these graduates testing for licensure in Vermont and strong NCLEX pass rates, the university continues to deliver on its promise to educate and prepare nurses who…

VT Agency of Education announces summer food service program

July 2, 2025
The Agency of Education announced the availability of summer meal sites providing meals to all children, 18 and under, through the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP). This program ensures that children across the state have access to nutritious meals throughout the summer. Families are encouraged to access these meals to help support children’s growth, health,…

Sanders restores $17m for Vt schools canceled by Trump

July 2, 2025
Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vermont), ranking member of the Senate health, education, labor, and pensions (HELP) committee, June 27 announced that the U.S. Dept. of Education reversed its decision to cancel nearly $17 million in federal K-12 Covid-19 funding for Vermont school districts and some $2.5 billion for schools across the country. The administration’s announcement follows…