§ 23-17.11. Retaliation prohibited.

A. 

Retaliation and/or adverse personnel action of any kind against an individual or whistleblower who makes a good-faith report of wrongdoing, potential violations of the Town’s Code of Ethics or otherwise unlawful harassment or discrimination or who participates truthfully in an investigation into an allegation of wrongdoing, harassment or discrimination is prohibited.

B. 

Retaliation is unlawful under federal, state and local law against an individual who has engaged in protected activity. Allegations of retaliation against an individual who has engaged in protected activity will be investigated by the Town in accordance with § 23-17.12B. Any individual who retaliates against or attempts to interfere with any individual who in good faith engages in protected activity may be subject to discipline as outlined under § 23-17.12G.

C. 

Protected activity occurs when a person has:

(1) 

Filed a complaint disclosing any alleged corruption, fraud, criminal or unethical activity, misconduct, waste, conflict of interest, intentional reporting of false or misleading information, or abuse of authority engaged in by a Town employee that relates to the Town or of harassment or discrimination, either internally or with any anti-discrimination agency;

(2) 

Testified or assisted in a proceeding involving wrongdoing, harassment or discrimination under New York State's Human Rights Law or another anti-discrimination law;

(3) 

Opposed wrongdoing, harassment or discrimination by making a verbal or informal complaint to management, or by simply informing a supervisor or manager of harassment;

(4) 

Complained that another Town employee has been harassed or been discriminated against; or

(5) 

Encouraged a fellow Town employee to report harassment or discrimination.

Amended 12-18-2018 by L.L. No. 14-2018; 9-25-2019 by L.L. No. 14-2019