Sexual harassment training is now required on a yearly basis for New York state employees. Learn more about who is required to receive training in your community association, and how to get training that fulfills New York State requirements.
In 2018, New York State passed legislation requiring employers to provide sexual harassment training to their employees on an annual basis in response to the #Metoo movement. Condo, Co-op, and HOA Board members are not paid employees. However, they are individuals who interact with residents. Communities also operate as a business in many respects. The behavior or actions of a Board member at a meeting, or in the community could be subject to a sexual harassment lawsuit or complaint.
While training is not required for unpaid volunteers within a community, board members may receive sexual harassment training. This can help avoid potential legal issues with residents or fellow Board members.
According to the legislation, all paid community association staff are legally required to complete training on a yearly basis. Completion of training does not guarantee that a community will not be subject to lawsuits pertaining to sexual harassment. However, boards and community staff can be proactive, to minimize liability.
Ways to Receive Sexual Harassment Training That Fulfills New York State Requirements
- Your Cooperative, Condominium, or Homeowner’s Association Attorney may offer a training course and a written community policy for a fee. Contact your communities’ legal experts to find out if they offer this service. If the law firm that your community uses does not offer sexual harassment training, we can recommend a firm that does.
- All Board members and building employees can complete New York State required training online: Sexual Harassment Training Online.
- A Board member can choose to host a sexual harassment training session on their own. Resources for training as per the state of New York can be online here: New York State Resources. Be sure to fulfill all the state requirements if you decide to go this route.*
*New York State requires an interactive component of training. Signatures or certificates of completion are required from those who attended and completed the training.
Please visit the NY.GOV website if you have any questions regarding training or requirements for New York State.
