New executive order cracks down on DC government's sexual harassment policy

Julia Eisen – WMAL News | October 31, 2023

Mayor Bowser issued an executive order to update DC government’s sexual harassment policy following controversy from earlier this year.

The order cracks down on previous provisions from 2017 and reaffirms DC government’s no-tolerance policy towards inappropriate workplace behavior or sexual harassment.

“With this Mayor’s Order we are underscoring the message that DC Government does not and will not tolerate any form of sexual harassment. While that has always been our value, now we are putting in place an even stronger and clearer policy,” said Mayor Bowser in a press release. “This order will help ensure that everyone, at every level, is clear about our expectations.”

Additionally, the Mayor’s order:

“bans all sexual and romantic relationships between supervisors and the employees in their chain of command;
establishes obligations of District Government employees, including to affirm the anti-harassment policy and attend yearly training;
adds the Mayor’s direct reports to those required to be referred for outside investigation of sexual harassment;
and directs the Sexual Harassment Taskforce to further examine the District’s sexual harassment policies and provide recommendations to further the goal of a harassment-free workplace.”

Earlier this year, John Falcicchio, former deputy mayor for planning and economic development abruptly resigned before the mayor’s office launched two investigations into several sexual harassment claims against him.

The order comes as the Mayor’s office had been criticized for not ordering an independent investigation of Falcicchio.

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