ST. PAUL – Today, following an extensive review of sexual harassment policies and procedures, Minnesota Management and Budget (MMB) released the State of Minnesota Executive Branch “Sexual Harassment Prevention Policy and Procedures Report,” which includes key recommendations for how the State of Minnesota can make state government workplaces more safe and inclusive for all employees.

To prepare the report, the State of Minnesota assembled a first-of-its-kind working group of senior leadership across the Administration, empowered by Governor Dayton to do a comprehensive top-to-bottom review of the state’s existing policies and procedures. This working group reviewed what dynamics unique to state government present challenges in providing consistent and effective processes and procedures for sexual harassment prevention.

Below are statements from the review panel on the report:

Cynthia Bauerly, Department of Revenue Commissioner:

“We need to do everything we can to prevent sexual harassment in the State’s workforce.  At the Department of Revenue, we have been working to create a shared vision of respect and inclusion for all employees. Moving forward the department will redouble our commitment to preventing sexual harassment and fostering a culture where everyone is heard and valued. The panel’s work – and the recommendations that came from it – give us important opportunities to help us prevent and address inappropriate behavior in the workplace.”

Mona Dohman, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Mona:

“We remain committed to providing a safe, secure and positive work environment for all state employees. That begins when we treat each other with respect and dignity, especially in the workplace. It also means sexual harassment cannot and will not be tolerated in any way. The recommendations in this report will build on our efforts to encourage victims and witnesses to report harassment, and to hold offenders accountable. There is no room for complacency, because even one case of sexual harassment is too many.”

Myron Frans, Minnesota Management and Budget Commissioner: “There is no place in our workplaces for sexual harassment. Every employee deserves a work environment that is safe, respectful, and supportive. To all state employees who have experienced harassment in the workplace, we see you. We hear you. We will do better. This report is an important first step in assessing our workplace culture and putting forth recommendations on how to prevent sexual harassment, as well as how to better address a complaint if and when one is filed. We must do everything we can to ensure state employees feel informed, safe, supported, and empowered to report sexual harassment if and when it occurs. I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners in implementing the report’s recommendations.”

Shawntera Hardy, Department of Employment and Equal Opportunity Commissioner:

“The work done by Minnesota Management and Budget will ensure that state agencies in Minnesota have a sexual harassment policy that is complete, robust, and accountable. I believe it is imperative that state government sets the example for all places of employment when it comes to creating and implementing policies that protect Minnesota workers.”

Major General Jon Jensen, Minnesota National Guard:

"The Department of Military Affairs is fully committed to ensuring all employees can pursue their duties in a respectful workplace.  Any form of harassment and discrimination has never been tolerated and is unacceptable.  The Department of Military Affairs is devoted to offering all employees a workplace that treats people with dignity and respect."

Emily Piper, Department of Human Services Commissioner:

“The State of Minnesota is taking a strong stand against sexual harassment. The report issued today will serve as an important tool in ensuring that our workplace culture reflects the highest professional standards Minnesotans expect from their government and that the people we serve deserve.”

Tom Roy, Department of Corrections Commissioner:

“I support the recommendations of the review panel. Corrections work is difficult enough, and sexual harassment is intolerable. Our employees are well-trained to come forward with complaints, and all complaints are vigorously investigated. Our focus is on providing a safe environment for all staff, and we are committed to doing everything in our power to prevent this unacceptable behavior.”

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Contact: Keith Hovis, Minnesota Management and Budget
Director of Communications
651-259-3666, Keith.Hovis@state.mn.us