CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE – January 6, 2021, House Republicans banded together to reject a series of proposals requiring training on unconscious bias, sexual harassment prevention and hostile work environment prevention by members of the House. This is the third time in just over a month that House Republicans have rejected similar proposals while coming up with none of their own. Representative Lucy Weber (D-Walpole) released the following statement:
“This is now the third time we have debated the need for this commonsense training since House Republicans took over as the majority party. First, they voted against the rule because the language from last term that was used required “in-person” training, claiming that that did not adhere to public health guidelines. Then, when that language was amended to allow for remote training opportunities, Republicans on the Rules Committee blocked these trainings claiming that it does no good to force people to take trainings, and we should instead politely ask.”
“The reality is that, consciously or unconsciously, pervasive harassment and hostility exists in the nation, the state, and the legislature. We have an obligation to create a better culture in the legislature and in the state for ourselves and all our constituents. The vote today shows that House Republicans simply do not think that training aimed at identifying and eliminating unconscious bias, preventing sexual harassment, and fostering a safe work environment are worth their time.”