CONCORD – On Wednesday, the House Rules Committee voted 5-4 to reject proposals requiring training on unconscious bias, sexual harassment prevention and hostile work environment prevention by members of the House. A training requirement on sexual harassment prevention in place last term was repealed by the new Republican majority minutes after they took office two weeks ago. Democratic Policy Leader Marjorie Smith (D-Durham) released the following statement:

“In recent years, it has become increasingly clear that training to identify and eliminate unconscious bias, and to prevent sexual harassment and the creation of a hostile work environment are needed in the legislature. These amendments sought to acknowledge the reality that pervasive harassment and hostility does still exist in the legislature,” said Democratic Policy Leader Marjorie Smith (D-Durham). “The only way that we will make the legislature’s culture a better place is by confronting that reality. It is extremely disappointing that the Republican majority would reject these proposals unanimously today. I look forward to a full House discussion on these proposals when we meet to adopt House Rules in January.”

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