Washington, D.C. — The National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG) is urging Congress to help sexual harassment victims in the workplace by passing federal legislation that would eliminate mandatory arbitration agreements imposed by employers when sexual harassment claims are made. This legislative action would ensure a victim’s right to access federal or state courts to pursue justice.

Access to the judicial system is a fundamental right of all Americans. However, many employers require their employees, as a condition of employment, to sign arbitration agreements mandating that sexual harassment claims be resolved through private arbitration instead of court. Such agreements also have secrecy requirements.

“Ending mandatory arbitration of sexual harassment claims would help to put a stop to the culture of silence that protects perpetrators at the cost of their victims,” reads the NAAG letter sent today to U.S. Senate and House leadership and signed by all 56 NAAG members from the states, D.C. and five territories. “…we strongly support appropriately-tailored legislation to ensure that sexual harassment victims have a right to their day in court.”

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