Training to reduce harassment sought

Thursday, Feb. 6, 2003 | 9:53 a.m.

CARSON CITY -- The state paid out $661,405 in sexual harassment and discrimination cases last year, and Gov. Kenny Guinn said he wants to step up harassment training and the investigation into the claims.

State Personnel Director Jeanne Greene told the Assembly Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday that her budget includes a three-person investigating team to examine complaints from state workers.

She wants to convert a half-time employee into a full-time worker to expand the training.

Assemblyman Morse Arberry, D-Las Vegas, chairman of the committee, told Greene that training should be "stepped up."

Supervisors and managers receive training every two years and line employees every three years.

Complaints of sexual harassment or discrimination are investigated by the agency involved. Greene said an independent agency should conduct the inquiry.

The $661,405 is higher than the $523,714 paid out in 2001 for discrimination and sexual harassment but lower than the $975,593 in settlements and judgments in 2000.

The state Attorney General's Office released figures late last year that showed 140 civil rights claims have been settled at a cost of $5.9 million since 1996.

Of the total, 26 were for sexual harassment at an average cost per year of $269,923.