Order mandates sexual harassment training and policy review
TWIN ARROWS, Ariz. — On Aug. 1, Navajo Nation President Russell Begaye and Vice President Jonathan Nez along with Acting Chief Justice Allen Sloan signed an executive order mandating that all executive and judicial departments review the Navajo Nation Sexual Harassment policy and attend sexual harassment training.
The executive order, which was signed during the Tribal Action Plan Workshop at Twin Arrows Casino and Resort, also stated that directors and managers should respond promptly and effectively to sexual harassment concerns of employees.
“This executive order is something that we need on the Navajo Nation to provide a safe and productive workplace,” Begaye said. “We do have policies in place but they’re not enough. We want to expand these policies to ensure that we protect our employees.”
President Begaye commended the judicial branch for joining the executive branch in expanding the awareness of sexual harassment by requiring that all employees get training on the subject.
Acting Chief Justice Sloan supported the executive order, stating it will provide protection to all Navajo Nation employees while bringing light to a problem that exists across many departments.
The executive order is an example of how the Begaye-Nez Administration is taking a firm stand against any kind of sexual harassment in the workplace, Nez said.
By the order and through training, the administration will inform Navajo Nation employees on all policies and procedures regarding sexual harassment so they are aware of acceptable standards of behavior.
“This way employees cannot say they didn’t know about the policies,” Nez said. “The mandatory policy and training signed into law today by President Begaye will provide tribal employees with protection against sexual harassment in the workplace.”
The order states: “The heads of all of the Divisions and Departments of the Nation, all Chapter Service Coordinators, and Judicial Branch are responsible for implementing and ensuring compliance with this order.”
During the signing, both President Begaye and Vice President Nez noted that sexual harassment will not be tolerated, and both men and women will be protected under the new policies.
