Stay Curious. Stay Connected.
MailNewsletters♡Donate Now
Sign up
*Password must be at least 8 characters and contain one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, one number and one symbol.
Already have an account?
By submitting, you consent that you are at least 18 years of age and to receive information about MPR's or APMG entities' programs and offerings. The personally identifying information you provide will not be sold, shared, or used for purposes other than to communicate with you about MPR, APMG entities, and its sponsors. You may opt-out at any time clicking the unsubscribe link at the bottom of any email communication. View our Privacy Policy.
Sign in to your profile
Forgot Password?
New to MPR News?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Reset Password

Enter the username on file and we'll send you a code to reset your password.

Still require assistance or not sure what your User Name is?
Welcome back
to news
for you
Email Verification

A verification code has been emailed to

Still awaiting the code?
Briana Bierschbach

MN House votes to remove 'severe or pervasive' standard for sexual harassment

Go Deeper.

Create an account or log in to save stories.

Like this?

Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.

The Minnesota House passed a bill by a 113-to-10 vote Thursday to eliminate a legal standard that blocks many sexual harassment cases from making it to court.

The standard comes out of 1986 U.S. Supreme Court ruling that said workplace behavior had to be so "severe or pervasive" that it changed the conditions of the victim's employment and created a hostile working environment.

Rep. Kelly Moller, DFL-Shoreview, said the House supported a similar bill last year.

"This bill is necessary to ensure that workers are safe in their workplaces. The #MeToo movement has given a powerful vote to survivors and has highlighted that we need to change workplace behavior," she said.

Federal judges have applied that standard narrowly over the years, meaning many cases don't make it to court. The proposal would add a single line to the Minnesota Human Rights Act to eliminate the standard.