(TRENTON) – Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin (D-Middlesex) on Thursday released the following statement regarding the Assembly’s sexual harassment policy:
“As I prepared late last year to become Assembly Speaker, I took a close look at the Legislature’s harassment policy. After that review, it’s very clear that this policy needs updating.
“There must be absolutely zero tolerance for sexual harassment by members and staff of the General Assembly. I have directed our executive director and counsel to put in place a policy that does everything possible to prevent harassment, improve training and protect victims — including, crucially, the ability for victims to come forward without fear of retaliation.
“While it will take some time to ensure that we develop the most stringent policy possible, I would like to make it crystal clear to every single legislator and staff that I take the issue of sexual harassment very seriously and that every single one of us deserves a workplace that is free from harassment.
“In the coming months, I look forward to announcing both the policy that has been developed and a safe, independent and secure mechanism for those who feel that they have been mistreated to have their complaints examined.”