18 LONGISLANDPRESS.COM • MAY 2018
By STEVE BELLONE
Suffolk County Executive
We often talk about empowering
women through the context of
history. But we have come a long
way since the days of Elizabeth Cady
Stanton, Susan B. Anthony, and
Lucy Stone. This year has been one
of the most consequential regarding
fairness, equality, and protections.
The issue of workplace sexual
harassment has become a topic
for national discussion. No longer
isolated incidents, these reports
are sweeping every industry.
Movements such as #MeToo and
#TimesUp are encouraging women
to speak up. We must confront
these issues head on and work
to ensure a safe and supportive
work environment where female
employees can succeed.
Suffolk County has led the way by
implementing workplace safety
measures. We value the dedicated
employees who work hard and
give back to their community. At
the same time, we want to prevent
inappropriate workplace conduct.
In February, we strengthened
employee protections by signing
two bills into law to combat sexual
harassment and discrimination.
One requires annual reporting
of sexual harassment and
discrimination claims in the county
workplace. The second requires
newly hired employees to receive
“Know Your Rights,” a pamphlet
detailing county policy on reporting
inappropriate workplace behavior.
Last year I signed legislation
requiring county elected
officials, department heads, and
chief deputies to receive sexual
harassment training every two
years. Now, Suffolk will provide
sexual harassment training to
more than 9,000 county employees.
This ensures that every employee
partakes in an online training video
to better equip them with the tools
and resources to prevent sexual
harassment in county government.
Our employees’ safety is a top
priority, but it is also necessary to
recognize the unique views and
perspectives female colleagues. In
March, I met with several groups of
hard-working women staff members
who are exceptional role models
and leaders. They are instrumental
to our work every day.
One staff member I met with was
Geri Hart. When I nominated Geri
to become the next Suffolk County
Police Commissioner, young girls,
including my own daughters, were
inspired. Geri is an inspiration
for countless women who want to
shatter the glass ceiling and work
in high-ranking positions. Besides
Geri, a number of women serve in
leading roles in my administration –
from commissioners, deputy county
executives, directors and more.
I have always believed in the
importance of inclusivity, diversity
and fresh perspectives. That is
why we must continue to empower
women in high-ranking positions
in Suffolk, in New York State and
nationwide.
POINT OF VIEW
EMPOWERING WOMEN:
EQUALITY AT WORK
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