BATON ROUGE, La. (AP) — A study group created by Gov. John Bel Edwards to review policies for handling sexual misconduct claims says Louisiana doesn't have a standard policy across state government.
The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com reports members of the group, which met for the first time Monday, said sexual harassment prevention training is recommended, but not required, of all state agencies.
The group will review executive branch agencies' policies regarding sexual harassment and workplace discrimination, evaluate their effectiveness and suggest changes to improve them. Recommendations are due to Edwards by March 1.
Edwards' creation of the study group comes after one of his top aides resigned as the Democratic governor's deputy chief of staff amid sexual harassment allegations.
Louisiana's legislative auditor is conducting a similar review of state agency policies for responding to sexual harassment claims.
