Named after a practice adopted by Vice President Mike Pence, the Pence rule encourages a man to decline to be alone with a woman other than his wife in the workplace. In theory, this would reduce the risk of sexual harassment liability. In practicality, it may expose employers to claims of unlawful discrimination. This article by Allen Smith, J.D. posted on the Society for Human Resource Management’s website analyzes the practice of the “Pence” rule and it’s possible indirect results.
Read the full article: Men’s Mentorship of Women at Odds with ‘Pence Rule’ (SHRM).