State law does not require training on an employer's sexual harassment policy. However, the state defers to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission guidelines, which strongly recommend that employers train supervisors and employees regarding the employer's policy. Training prepares supervisors to properly address sexual harassment complaints, educates the workforce on issues of sexual harassment and the prevention of potentially harassing situations, establishes the employer's policies, and provides the basis for an effective defense to sexual harassment claims. There are additional details.
The 8th Circuit Court of Appeals recently ruled in favor of an employer that had trained its employees on its policy against harassment and on how to report harassment (Crawford v. BNSF Ry. Co., 665 F.3d 978 (8th Cir. 2012) cert. denied (2012)). In affirming ...