WHITEHALL TWP., Pa. — Whitehall Township commissioners on Monday passed a new sexual harassment policy as part of an agreement to settle a lawsuit against township Mayor Michael Harakal Jr.
The agreement, reached in February, required the township to update its harassment policy regarding elected officials within 90 days.
- Whitehall Township, as mandated by a legal settlement, has a new sexual harassment policy
- The settlement involved three women employed by the township, who accused Mayor Michael Harakal Jr. of inappropriate behavior
- After the allegations, Harakal Jr. withdrew his campaign for re-election citing "family matters"
Township commissioners approved the settlement, and Harakal signed it this month.
It paid three women a total $140,000 to drop their complaints, but said the mayor and township deny wrongdoing and found no factual basis for the allegations.
It also requires in-person harassment training for all elected officials and township employees by the end the year.
"I think it will go a long way in protecting us from future liabilities."Joseph J. Marx, president, Whitehall Township Commissioners
After the vote, commissioners President Joseph J. Marx thanked the board, its attorney, Deputy Mayor John Meyers and the township human relations staff "for creating this and updating them."
"I think it will go a long way in protecting us from future liabilities."
The women's complaints alleged the mayor had "closed-door meetings" with the women, who worked in his office, as well as "unwanted touching" and "suggestive music."
Harakal, after the allegations were made against him, withdrew from his bid for re-election, saying he was dealing with a “looming family problem” and other issues.
The board of commissioners this month also took a vote of no confidence in the mayor.
Harakal at Monday's meeting continued to maintain his innocence. He did not agree to an on-the-record interview, but said he would later.
