10-09-17 Regular Meeting of the La Porte City Council

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stereotyping; threatening, intimidating, or hostile conduct; denigrating jokes and comments; and writings or pictures, that single out, denigrate, or show hostility or aversion toward someone on the basis of a protected characteristic. Conduct, comments, or innuendoes that may be perceived by others as offensive are wholly inappropriate and are strictly prohibited. This policy also prohibits sending, showing, sharing, or distributing in any form, inappropriate jokes, pictures, comics, stories, etc., including but not limited to via facsimile, e-mail, and/or the Internet. Harassment based on race, religion, color, sex, national origin, age or disability, will not be tolerated. This policy applies to City employees, citizens, vendors, and other visitors to the workplace. Mandatory Reporting - The City requires that employees report all perceived incidents of harassment, regardless of the offender's identity or position. Any employee who observes or otherwise learns of possible harassment in the workplace or who believes that he or she has been subjected to conduct prohibited by this policy must report it immediately to his or her supervisor. Any supervisor, manager, or Department Director who becomes aware of possible conduct prohibited by this policy must immediately advise his/her Department Director, the Human Resources Manager, and/or the City Manager. Investigation - All reports of prohibited conduct will be investigated promptly by management in as confidential a manner as possible. The investigation may include individual interviews with the parties involved and, where necessary, with individuals who may have other relevant knowledge. All employees are required to cooperate with the investigation. Retaliation Prohibited - Retaliation against employees who make a good faith charge or report of prohibited conduct or who assist in a complaint investigation is prohibited. Acts of retaliation must be reported immediately as set out above. Responsive Action Misconduct constituting harassment or retaliation will be dealt with appropriately. Discipline, up to and including dismissal will be imposed upon any employee who is found to have engaged in conduct prohibited by this policy. Likewise, disciplinary action will be imposed in situation where claims of prohibited conduct were fabricated. Conflicts of Interest: raises a reasonable question of conflict with their job-related duties and responsibilities. Importantly, if someone violates a conflict of interest law, they face civil and/or criminal charges resulting in monetary fines or jail time. Employees shall conduct their affairs and actions so that there will be no conflict of interest with their employment by the City of La Porte. Conflict of Interest shall include, but not be limited to: Soliciting, accepting, or agreeing to accept a financial benefit, other than from the City that might tend to influence the employee's performance of duties for the City, of that which the employee knows or should know is offered with intent to influence the employee's performance. Accepting employment or compensation that might reasonably induce the employee to disclose confidential information acquired in the performance of official duties.