Just days after Fox News fired its top star Bill O’Reilly over sexual harassment allegations, the network has ordered all of its employees — including contributors and freelancers — to undergo a one-hour sensitivity training session, according to a memo obtained by TheWrap.
The memo was sent by the network’s recently hired head of human resources, Kevin Lord, on Tuesday. It urges employees to sign up for the training in person and complete it “as soon as possible.”
“It is critical that everyone attends to ensure that we maintain a professional workplace,” Lord goes on to say in the email.
TheWrap reported Monday that the company has yet to hold a single company-wide meeting with its staff to discuss the accusations against O’Reilly.
A Fox News spokeswoman told TheWrap “at least” 96 percent of all employees had completed sensitivity training. The company said Tuesday’s memo was sent only to freelancers and contributors.
The New York Times reported last month that Fox News and O’Reilly paid around $13 million to five women who accused O’Reilly of sexual harassment and other misconduct.
“It’s been radio silence,” a senior insider told TheWrap. “There’s been no acknowledgement to the staff in person.”
Here’s the full email about the sensitivity training:
Hi all,
All Fox News Channel employees, contributors, and freelancers are required to go through a one-time, one-hour sensitivity training session. It is critical that everyone attends to ensure that we maintain a professional workplace.
All trainings will be held in the 1211 Avenue of the Americas 3rd floor Training Room. You will sign in and out in person. We will add more availability for mid to late May, but please attempt to attend your training as soon as possible.
Please use this link below to sign up for your session.
If you have any questions, please reach out to Jordan Knesek at [email redacted].
Thank you,
Kevin Lord