Ocasio-Cortez, Lieu, Pressley Reintroduce Bill to Fight Workplace Sexual Harassment and Discrimination

Washington, D.C. – Today, Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (NY-14), Representative Ted W. Lieu (CA-36), and Representative Ayanna Pressley (MA-07) announced the reintroduction of the Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. This legislation requires publicly traded companies to disclose the presence and status of sexual harassment and discrimination claims, as well as require independent, licensed investigators to examine claims. Additionally, employers would be required to develop workplace training programs to educate employees on prohibited harassment and discrimination, and how to report this behavior.

“Reported harassment claims must be taken seriously in the workplace, and people must be able to report without fear of retaliation,” said Representative Ocasio-Cortez. “Survivors of sexual harassment are too often silenced while their abusers get a slap on the wrist. The Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act stops companies from sweeping sexual abuse and racial discrimination under the rug by forcing companies to publicly report complaints. Our legislation will empower survivors to speak out and is an essential step in ensuring every person feels safe at work.”

“It is despicable that companies can just pay off employees to hide inappropriate behavior that happened on their watch,” said Representative Lieu. “The public deserves full transparency about companies with a history of harassment and discrimination. Employers also have a responsibility to inform and protect the people that work for them. I'm pleased to join Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez and Congresswoman Pressley to stand up to the powerful and demand accountability in workplaces across America.”

“Every worker should expect safety, dignity, and respect on and off the job. For too long, institutions have shielded powerful sexual abusers and silenced survivors, denying workers their right to report injustice in the workplace,” said Representative Pressley. “The Protections and Transparency in the Workplace Act is a critical step towards protecting workers and ensuring accountability for sexual discrimination, harassment, and abuse. I’m proud to partner with Congressman Ted Lieu and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez to prevent workplace harassment.”

Read the full bill text here.

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