Vermont Online Sexual Harassment Training

According to Vermont state statute, employers should conduct an education and training program for all existing and new employees within one year of hire to address the state’s prohibition against sexual harassment.

Employers should provide additional training for supervisors and managers within one year of promotion, which should address, at a minimum, the details of the state statute prohibiting sexual harassment, “the specific responsibilities of supervisory and managerial employees, and the actions that these employees must take to ensure immediate and appropriate corrective action in addressing sexual harassment complaints.” See 21 Vt. Stat. Ann. § 495h (f)(1)-(3).

Additionally, EEOC guidelines and court decisions from around the country have made clear that employers should provide workplace harassment training to all employees periodically. The training should cover sexual harassment and all other forms of unlawful harassment related to federal and state protected characteristics.

The Vermont Fair Employment Practices Act prohibits workplace harassment and employment discrimination based on protected characteristics such as age, ancestry, color, disability, gender identity, national origin or place of birth, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related condition), sexual orientation, and status as a crime victim or family member of crime victim. Additionally, 18 Vt Stat. Ann. § 9333 prohibits employers from discriminating on the basis of genetic information.

Local ordinances may provide broader protections, so you should check the local Civil Rights Commission regulations applicable to your workplace.

For more information on Vermont equal employment opportunity requirements, see Vermont Human Rights Commission.