Bill Text: NJ AR240 | 2020-2021 | Regular Session | Introduced
Bill Title: Urges New Jersey League of Municipalities and New Jersey Chamber of Commerce to implement reforms to address toxic climate for women at annual events.
Sponsorship: Partisan Bill (Democrat 1)
Status: (Introduced - Dead) 2021-05-05 - Introduced, Referred to Assembly Women and Children Committee [AR240 Detail]
Download: New_Jersey-2020-AR240-Introduced.html
Sponsored by:
Assemblywoman VALERIE VAINIERI HUTTLE
District 37 (Bergen)
SYNOPSIS
Urges New Jersey League of Municipalities and New Jersey Chamber of Commerce to implement reforms to address toxic climate for women at annual events.
CURRENT VERSION OF TEXT
As introduced.
An Assembly Resolution urging the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce to continue to implement reforms to address the toxic climate for women at annual events.
Whereas, Sexual assault and harassment has been endured by women in the workplace, as men in supervisory positions imposed unwanted sexual relations onto female subordinates, an extension of the societal power inequities that exist between men and women; and
Whereas, It was not until the 1970's that a woman's right to work in an environment that was free from unwanted sexual advances became recognized and protected by the law; and
Whereas, Despite these advances in the law, women have continued to endure sexual assault and harassment in the workplace; and
Whereas, The "Me Too" movement, which began as local, grassroots effort in 2006 and became a global movement after going "viral" in 2017, provided women who had been subjected to unwanted sexual advances a platform to share their experiences and express the collective desire to end tolerance for such abhorrent behavior in the workplace; and
Whereas, Cultivating a workplace and political arena that is made up of a diverse group of women and men from many different backgrounds benefits the people of this State; but a workplace or political forum that condones sexual assault, harassment, or misogyny in any form dissuades qualified, competent and valuable people from such service; and
Whereas, In December of 2019, an investigative news article revealed that the "Me Too" movement did not end sexual harassment in New Jersey, nor the existence of widespread sexual assault and misogyny within New Jersey State politics and government; and
Whereas, This article prompted the creation of the ad hoc "Workgroup on Harassment, Sexual Assault and Misogyny," which seeks to address the toxic culture of harassment, sexual assault and misogyny that has been and continues to be a reality for too many women working in New Jersey politics; and
Whereas, The Workgroup partnered with both the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce (NJCC) in order to adopt reforms to change the unsafe climate for women at their premier annual events, specifically, NJLM's Annual Conference in Atlantic City and the Annual Chamber Train Trip; and
Whereas, As a result of this partnership, the NJLM adopted a Code of Conduct outlining expectations for anyone participating in any of its meetings or events, including its Annual Conference, and noted that harassment and sexist comments violate NJLM's code, as would retaliation for reporting such harassment; and
Whereas, The NJCC instituted several new policies and procedures for its annual Train Trip, which included the prohibition of certain alcohol on that trip. notice to attendees of its anti-harassment policy, and the provision of a toll-free number to report complaints; and
Whereas, These reforms serve to create a safer and more equitable environment for all New Jersey residents who attend such events especially those woman who choose to work in the field of politics in New Jersey; now, therefore,
Be It Resolved by the General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:
1. The General Assembly of the State of New Jersey urges the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce to continue to implement reforms adopted to address the toxic climate for women at their annual events.
2. Copies of this resolution, as filed with the Secretary of State, shall be transmitted by the Clerk of the General Assembly to the Executive Director for the New Jersey League of Municipalities and the President and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce.
STATEMENT
This resolution urges the New Jersey League of Municipalities (NJLM) and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce (NJCC) to continue to implement reforms aimed at making their annual events safer and more equitable for women working in politics and government in New Jersey. These reforms were adopted as a result of the NJLM's and the NJCC collaboration with the Workgroup on Harassment, Sexual Assault and Misogyny in New Jersey Politics.
This Workgroup was formed in order to address the findings of an investigation which revealed that incidents of harassment, sexual assault, and misogyny were quite prevalent within State politics and government. Working with many different stakeholders within the State, the Workgroup focused on creating policies and practices which would make New Jersey a safer and more equitable place to live and work. The policies and practices adopted by the NJLM and NJCC in regard to their annual events represent much needed reforms to a toxic climate for women in this State.
