* I’m getting some strong and legitimate pushback for something I wrote for subscribers this morning…
I think we can safely stipulate that lots and lots of men aren’t directly contributing to the culture of sexual harassment at the Statehouse. But, just remember this, almost all women have experienced problems in one way or another. Something has to be done to stop this problem.
My intent was to address the men who are acting defensive and claiming they aren’t part of the problem. We are part of the problem no matter how pristine we may think our behavior might be because just about every woman has at least one (and some have many) horror stories to tell about being harassed, groped, discriminated against, silenced, etc. That means, on its face, the culture is really messed up here and far more men are perpetrators/witnesses/enablers than we might allow ourselves to believe, so everybody has to participate in a solution, both personal and structural. Men don’t have the luxury of distance here. You don’t get to say it’s not you just because you never groped anybody.
I’m truly sorry that I wasn’t clear. I wasn’t attempting to excuse people who turn a blind eye or don’t step up. And by “lots and lots” I didn’t mean to imply that it was the majority or the vast majority.
We’re all learning and we all need to continue learning.
* On to the Sun-Times editorial…
State Sen. Kimberly Lightford endured crude remarks about her legs from a male colleague in Springfield. She had to remind another fellow legislator that he was the same age as her grandfather to get him to stop making “inappropriate” comments about her.
“I think that when you’re just around people who are in powerful positions, men and women alike, they think they can do that,” Lightford, who is from Maywood, told Sun-Times political reporter Tina Sfondeles on Tuesday as women who work at the state Capitol spoke up about being sexually harassed by men in power.
Galvanized by women who have gone public with allegations of harassment and sexual abuse by Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, and the ensuing #MeToo social media campaign, women in Illinois politics are talking about their own experiences. Some are telling their stories on the “Say No More” Facebook page, and more than 150 women who are elected officials, lobbyists or consultants have signed a letter describing harassment by powerful men they work with. So far, the alleged harassers have been lucky — they haven’t been named publicly.
Ironically, a state Legislature charged with writing laws about discrimination, harassment and protecting vulnerable people is under fire for fostering an environment ripe for abuse. It’s up to leaders in Springfield to transform the culture. Insiders have known forever that the Capitol can be a toxic and sleazy place. House Speaker Michael Madigan, Senate President John Cullerton as well as minority leaders Jim Durkin and Bill Brady — and all their deputies — must make it a more decent and professional place to work. It’s what they would demand of a rogue corporation, university or public agency that mistreats people.
* And JB Pritzker has a long Medium piece on the topic which concludes this way…
As for Springfield, the capitol is not a club house. It is a place where democracy and the free exchange of ideas should thrive. As long as women are being demeaned, harassed, and assaulted as the price of entry into Illinois politics, we, as a state and as a democracy, are failing. We must take steps to address these issues in our state capitols:
We must make sure women are elected, appointed and hired in all levels of government to break up the culture of “boys’ clubs.”
We must enact formal sexual harassment and interruption training for lobbyists, elected officials, and staff and establish a culture of accountability.
In the end, it’s all of our responsibility to change the culture to one where women are treated with dignity and respect. It will be uncomfortable, and it will require an ongoing effort even when the news moves on. But I’m inspired by the women who have persisted for so many years — who quietly kept going in the face of such adversity, who never allowed those who would demean them to diminish them, and who are now fighting so bravely for a better future.
The burden and opportunity to create change falls significantly on me and on other men. It is our responsibility to make it better. I accept that responsibility and will carry it out in the days, weeks and years ahead — and as your next governor in Springfield.
* And Speaker Madigan’s proposed legislation has surfaced as an amendment to SB402. Click here for the text. Here are some bullet points…
1) The State Officials and Employees Ethics Act and the Lobbyist Registration Act are amended to specifically state that all persons have a right to work in an environment free from sexual harassment, and that person shall refrain from sexual harassment.
2) Every constitutional officer, legislator, unit of local government, and lobbyist is required to adopt a sexual harassment policy that includes a prohibition on sexual harassment, how an individual can report allegations, and any disciplinary actions for violation of the policy.
3) Every constitutional officer, legislator, State employee, and lobbyist is required to attend sexual harassment training, which includes a description of sexual harassment utilizing examples.
4) Each state Inspector General will have authority to review allegations of sexual harassment and submit any founded complaints to the applicable Ethics Commission for a hearing. Each Ethics Commission will have the authority to fine an individual up to $5,000 for a violation of the prohibition on sexual harassment.
5) Every constitutional officer and legislative leader must annually submit to the applicable Ethics Commission a report detailing plans for training and the names of those who did not participate in training.
*** UPDATE *** A House Personnel & Pensions Committee hearing on Speaker Madigan’s proposal has been scheduled for next Tuesday morning at 10 in the Bilandic Building.
- Grand Avenue - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:30 am:
Honestly have no idea why there would be any pushback. Your intent was clear as day - even though most men aren’t part of the harassment culture, if they don’t do something to fix it they will become enablers of it.
- Ron Burgundy - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:38 am:
Not to be pedantic but bullets 1-5 and 6-10 are the same.
- Come on Man! - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:40 am:
Sen. Lightford is the only person who has mentioned “Men and Women in Power”. I think it is important to no atomize around this issue but come together and fight for common human decency. Something, more easily said than done.
- Saluki - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:42 am:
Ron B -
I guess that is in case it didn’t sink in the first time….
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:43 am:
===We’re all learning and we all need to continue learning.===
Agreed. I also agree the culture needs to change and I need to do my part to help make that happen.
But thanks for pointing out that not all men are directly involved. I like to think I’m one of the men who hasn’t used a position of power to enhance my dating prospects. I was raised better than that. I also take my wedding vows seriously and think men who don’t have a serious character flaw that makes them suspect on nearly every other measure of what being a man is supposed to mean.
Some of this issue involves how men and women are biologically wired, and the sad fact that too many men act on biological impulse and are too weak to control themselves and act appropriately despite a base desire. Part of it is the macho man notion that sexual conquests are to be held up like some sort of trophy for other men to admire.
Change begins with recognizing the problem, and so I hope to learn more about what women have had to deal with in Springfield. It’s a small start, but we’re unpacking thousands of years of nature and culture.
- Rayne of Terror - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:52 am:
The discussion isn’t about men who AREN’T a problem. And the NOTALLMEN defense is a common derailment tactic. Women already KNOW it’s not all men. But women do NOT know which group you are in when they get on an elevator alone or stand next to you in a group picture. Women deal with this all the time. Stop being defensive and listen.
- Hear me roar - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:53 am:
@47th, I would say that you needn’t be “directly involved” to have responsibility. You could simply know or hear that other men are mistreating women with their words or hands, and say nothing, putting the burden back on the victim to fight back alone to further detriment. It sounds like you understand that, but I wanted to be clear. That @GrandAvenue can’t see why anyone would push back speaks volumes about the lack of full understanding and how much we still need to do.
- Name Withheld - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:57 am:
I’m going to disagree that all men aren’t involved. We most certainly are involved - if by no the connection than what we have failed to do to stop someone from making another’s life worse.
We don’t have to grope someone to allow someone else to do it. We don’t have to make a sexist joke to simply allow another to make the joke without condemnation.
This isn’t a case of “I haven’t done anything wrong.” It’s a case of “What have I done that’s right.”
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:59 am:
Simply put. Power issues. As women become part of the boardrooms the inquality of power will diminish some of the bullying behavior. Hopefully.
- Dome Gnome - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:59 am:
That biological argument (”men are too weak to control themselves”) isn’t remotely valid. Men and women alike are sexual creatures, by nature. What we’re trying to accomplish in Springfield is to create a better society and that can’t be done by making faulty excuses.
- Rich Miller - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:00 pm:
===This isn’t a case of “I haven’t done anything wrong.” It’s a case of “What have I done that’s right.”===
Well said.
- Hear me roar - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:02 pm:
Bravo, @NameWithheld.
- FormerParatrooper - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:04 pm:
If you wouldn’t want something said to your mother, daughter, wife or sister, don’t say it to anyone else. If you see someone out of line, don’t ignore it, say something to the perpetrator. Some people say things or act in ways without realizing it. Sometimes a gentle reminder takes care of it. Other times a little verbal judo is required to shame them.
There is a problem with some people, and power and position brings out the worst of people. I could care less of someone’s status whether it us real or perceived, I will shame your ignorance and everyone should be that way. That is how you change the culture around you.
- Amalia - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:05 pm:
Rich, thank you for putting this out there, both your original statement and the public discussion of the pushback. sorry you got that pushback, which is ridiculous. The not all men defense is also ridiculous. Of course, but…. there is a toxic objectifying lookism culture that supports and hides grope culture and rape culture. Men need to step up and break through those cultures which are male dominated and supported in nuanced ways. That is what you are doing, Rich, asking for men to work on the issue, and it is much appreciated. I would also ask all women to step up and support breaking this cycle. Competition for the attention of men begins at high level in Junior High and the result is often women who do things to get attention at the expense of women’s dignity in general and often to specific girls and women. It’s up to all of us to stop this. When a man who was the political director of a major network admits to conduct which causes him to be dismissed from a position at another network, you know things are bad out there. Thanks for helping, Rich.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:08 pm:
I was raised by my Mother after my father died. I have NEVER done anything sexist and have always been sensitive to women’s issues.
This is not an ALL MEN issue. Bad Men just like bad people are responsible for their bad actions.
I will not take responsibility for anything that I have not done just because I am a male.
- Terry Salad - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:08 pm:
47th Ward: I am a biological anthropologist. The following that you wrote is pure bunk. The fact that they cannot control themselves is not because of their biology. It is a product of the culture they are surrounded by. They can stop it and need to stop it.
“Some of this issue involves how men and women are biologically wired, and the sad fact that too many men act on biological impulse and are too weak to control themselves and act appropriately despite a base desire.”
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:15 pm:
===This isn’t a case of “I haven’t done anything wrong.” It’s a case of “What have I done that’s right.”===
Uh, no. Read up on bystander vs. upstander. This cannot be the standard.
- Thomas Paine - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:17 pm:
Stop with the biological wiring argument. Just stop. We put astronauts on the moon. If you can surf the internet and type responses on a blog, you cannot honestly claim that your genetic code is in the driver’s seat for your every activity.
The statehouse has been turning a blind eye to behaviors that would never, ever be tolerated in any other workplace.
@Rich - I thought you were clear the first time.
@JB Pritzker: rework your response a little. This behavior isn’t acceptable in a locker room or a clubhouse either, as a number of professional athletes made clear last summer.
- Montrose - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:19 pm:
“I will not take responsibility for anything that I have not done just because I am a male.”
I think you are missing the point. I would stop worrying about whether or not someone is trying to assign blame to you and focus on what have you/can you do to help fix the problem. Just thinking that you have never done anything sexist is not enough.
- A guy - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:19 pm:
Maybe the very best posture (for men) for this discussion as it meteorically rose to the forefront was what I tried to do;
Shut up, listen and read.
It’s a universal problem because it affects everyone, and it will in fact take “everyone” to solve.
You can’t approve of this stuff, can’t look the other way, and for God’s sake, don’t rationalize it.
If any of these “offenders” had any kind of weapon, they’d be universally ostracized and criticized. And hopefully punished.
Well, they do have a weapon. It’s just not the kind of weapon we’re used to.
- Ray Batman - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:20 pm:
Yes the culture needs to change! But when you have a President of the United States, an admitted abuser of women, it is hard to see how that change will be accomplished.
- 47th Ward - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:20 pm:
===They can stop it and need to stop it.===
Thanks Terry. Perhaps we could have a longer conversation about this complicated issue sometime. Blog comments don’t really allow for the kind of back and forth a good discussion deserves. I’d enjoy a longer conversation and I’m sure I’d learn a lot from you. I can’t edit my post, so please don’t assume I gave this comment my full consideration or intended to debate this on a level as lofty as what you’d expect from a biological anthropologist.
Having said that, and while I don’t disagree with you at all, I stand by what I wrote, as inelegant as it is. If you read it closely you will note I didn’t excuse the behavior, and further, I agree it needs to stop.
- Cheryl44 - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:24 pm:
The statehouse has been turning a blind eye to behaviors that would never, ever be tolerated in any other workplace.
It’s tolerated in every place I’ve ever worked, and I am not a state employee.
- Name Withheld - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:30 pm:
==Uh, no. Read up on bystander vs. upstander. This cannot be the standard.==
Uh, yes. To do otherwise means you’re condoning the exploitation of another as an acceptable cost for participating in society. That is not a mental calculus I can come close to justifying.
- Ghost - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:31 pm:
It’s acts of power embedded in a culture of power.
It’s a fight worth fighting, but upending a culture of using dominance to display power will require lots of stern resolve.
- Too Much to Handle - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:33 pm:
Sexual harassment is rooted in a deeper problem - institutional sexism. Women are often thought of as sexual objects first, and everything else second. This problem will never stop until we change the way that we think about women.
Let’s try a little exercise - think about a female legislator, staff member, or lobbyist that you admire. Now think about WHY you admire them. No need to share here, but if your first thought had something to do with their appearance, that is a part of the problem.
- Change Agent - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:34 pm:
Rich, I thought your original post was fine. You were clearly pushing back against #notallmen. 47th Ward and Anonymous @12:08 remind us of what you needed to write what you did. “If you aren’t part of the solution, you’re part of the problem” - it may be trite, but it’s true.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:36 pm:
My guess is that this issue has been an accepted fact in Springfield for decades. I remember reading “Boss” long years ago and it contained a passage about women employed as secretaries by legislators during the years that Richard J. Daley was in the state capitol building that would probably result it a life time ban.
Oddly enough, there was a former Springfield fixture who behaved like a crazy aunt sometimes. She was also fond of calling well dressed male lobbyists “stud muffins.”
- Anon E. Moose - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:37 pm:
I’m all for changing the culture. Is there any data to show that this training has any impact?
- Retired Educator - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:41 pm:
The idea of training is a good one, but training will not insure compliance. Consequences for actions is needed. Each of these individuals have wives, daughters, nieces, Granddaughters who they would be appalled if they were treated in this manner. They would demand those responsible face actions that would stop the activity. How are these women any different from your family? Like anything else if you see it, report it. Rich your post was easily understood by thinking individuals. Some need to look before they leap.
- Montrose - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:43 pm:
“Every constitutional officer, legislator, State employee, and lobbyist is required to attend sexual harassment training, which includes a description of sexual harassment utilizing examples.”
I’m hoping that “attend” means an in-person training. There is no way some online training will suffice for this issue.
- Terry Salad - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:49 pm:
47th Ward: “I can’t edit my post, so please don’t assume I gave this comment my full consideration or intended to debate this on a level as lofty as what you’d expect from a biological anthropologist. ”
Well, what you wrote is, unfortunately, what many many people assume to be true. That in itself is a problem.
- Terry Salad - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:53 pm:
Frankly, some names will likely come out and it may damage some careers (as it is already happening in the entertainment industry). Unfortunately, I think this may be necessary. Hard lessons will stick better than some mandatory on-line (likely) ethics training.
- Moist von Lipwig - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:55 pm:
I would say that most men either have been or are part of the “harassment culture” but don’t want to admit it to themselves. They (we) chalk it up to a joke or a gimmick or “friendliness”. Men often don’t worry about how their actions and words are handled, because they feel, in their hearts, that they are *pure*.
But nobody is pure, and you should treat everyone like a professional, and generally other than a handshake you really don’t need to be touchin’ on people.
- dbk - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:58 pm:
Not a subscriber, but I can certainly subscribe to the revised version.
It’s very impressive that the women of Illinois politics have decided to call this sort of behavior out with a united voice.
It’s also impressive that a powerful Illinois political analyst (our host) has put it on record that he’ll actively help to change the culture.
The truth is that to change a cultural behavior this embedded - and widespread - it’s going to take everybody getting on board for the long haul.
It’s hard - but think, if Illinois could lead the nation in an initiative like this, it would be a very big deal.
BTW, re: those behaviors “that would never be tolerated in another workplace,” they would be and they are. I’m from academia (UIUC grad, MA, professional academic)and have parallels to just about every story that’s been related.
- Flapdoodle - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 12:58 pm:
===This isn’t a case of “I haven’t done anything wrong.” It’s a case of “What have I done that’s right.”
Well said.== +1
This is everyone’s problem, just like racism is everyone’s problem. No matter how pure we think we might be as individuals, we’re still involved because civility is everyone’s responsibility. As the saying goes, if you’re not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem.
- Puddintaine - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:06 pm:
The Girondists had similar troubles with the Jacobins. This is just starting to warm up, so please be patient.
- ChicagoVinny - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:13 pm:
===This isn’t a case of “I haven’t done anything wrong.” It’s a case of “What have I done that’s right.”===
100%
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:22 pm:
Nice to institute “training” but knowing information and doing something about it are way different things.
And then we get into personal cultural attitudes within each individual……I guess the best we can hope for is to behave yourself in the workplace. Is that really, really hard?
- anon2 - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:23 pm:
The state office I worked in during the late 90s had harassment training. The rule I most remember is that offensiveness is solely determined by the receiver/accuser. Which sounds like a presumption of guilt.
- JB13 - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:30 pm:
Ah, yes, the old “institutional” or “culture” problem: Translation, everybody’s guilty, so let’s just skip that nasty naming names business. After all, this is terrible, certainly, but we wouldn’t want any careers ruined over this, right? Gotta win elections, maintain power, and what not.
- Swift - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:32 pm:
Just throwing this out there, but there seems to be a pass given for women who don’t speak out when they are harassed due to the fear their career will be hurt, however from what I’m seeing here is men don’t get the same pass if they don’t speak out against harassment they witness.
For example, if a women lobbyist is harassed and doesn’t report it out of fear her career will be hurt and/or her client’s interests will be hurt we say that is horrible and unfair. If a male lobbyist fails to report harassment of an other out of the same fears shouldn’t that be horrible and unfair as well? Is there a double standard?
I don’t know the answer, except that the harassment has to stop.
- Downstate - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:38 pm:
Taking the position that “I wasn’t involved” is deplorable. That attitude allowed a Jerry Sandusky to operate at Penn State for decades.
Frankly, Hollywood is likely changing already because of Weinstein. The same has to happen in Springfield.
Make an example of one, and you’ll convert dozens more.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:44 pm:
Training ain’t gonna do it. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2016/may/02/sexual-harassment-training-failing-women
“It really requires changing workplaces that have gender inequality structured into the way that they are organized …”
- Downstate - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:46 pm:
3 female lobbyists - that’s all it takes.
If 3 female lobbyist, who were subjected to deplorable behavior, by one legislator, came forward at the same time to announce their outrage at the perpetrator, you’d change the atmosphere of Springfield overnight.
- Steve Rogers - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 1:56 pm:
I’m confused by this logic of “I wasn’t involved.” Well, I didn’t own slaves, nor did my ancestors, therefore, I’m exempt from acknowledging the existence of racism???
- Because I Said So.... - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 2:01 pm:
Everyone needs to take responsibility on this, men and women. As a parents, it has been the responsibility of my husband and me to teach or children to treat all people with dignity and respect. My husband has demonstrated not only respect for me but towards his mother and sisters.
The cycle of abuse continues because some children grow up thinking certain behaviors are acceptable.
I certainly hope this conversation continues and brings about change.
- Loop - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 2:01 pm:
Guys: here’s a litmus test for your behavior in Springfield with a female colleague…pretend she is your mom, wife, or daughter…if you wouldn’t behave in that fashion with a respected woman in your life, don’t say it or do it…
- Downstate - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 2:08 pm:
Steve Rogers,
Exactly. The idea that “I wasn’t involved” or that men are “too weak to control themselves” makes my blood boil.
If you don’t see your wife or daughter’s face in the victims of the Capitol culture, then you’ve truly unmasked yourself. Very sad.
- Name Withheld - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 2:16 pm:
I have good friends at all levels in technology, film, and government. The horror stories I have heard in the last few weeks have convinced me, if I ever needed convincing, that the responsibility to speak up and stop this behavior rests with each and every one of us. Silence is consent - pure and simple.
And speaking of silence - where is the Governor in this discussion?
- Scoff - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 2:18 pm:
Will the Speaker present a plan for actually appointing a Legislative Inspector General?
- Loop Lady - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 2:34 pm:
That was me at 2:01…
- Loop Lady - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 2:38 pm:
Ladies, let’s pack the hearing room on Tuesday…some of the men who made us uncomfortable will have the chance to feel the same…what goes around…
- cmac - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 3:59 pm:
Political Correctness gone wild–silly
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 4:05 pm:
As a Female state employee working in a “boys club”, a change in equality for women would be welcomed. I have more experience than the man who was promoted past me. It is disturbing that the state agencies can get away with this kind of behavior
- Skeptic - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 4:17 pm:
My take on the “not involved” defense translates to: “I already treat women with equality and respect and do my absolute best to make sure I always do. I realize that not all do, but I don’t know of or witnessed any specific events.” That’s different from “turning a blind eye.” Just MHO.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 4:31 pm:
cmac - troll much?
- CommonSense - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 4:35 pm:
- Rayne of Terror - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 11:52 am:
—-
The discussion isn’t about men who AREN’T a problem. And the NOTALLMEN defense is a common derailment tactic. Women already KNOW it’s not all men. But women do NOT know which group you are in when they get on an elevator alone or stand next to you in a group picture. Women deal with this all the time. Stop being defensive and listen.
—-
This. A thousand times, this.
- Anonymous - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 4:05 pm:
—-
As a Female state employee working in a “boys club”, a change in equality for women would be welcomed. I have more experience than the man who was promoted past me. It is disturbing that the state agencies can get away with this kind of behavior
—-
Having more experience than someone does not necessarily make you a better candidate for any and every position than them, and a male being chosen for promotion over a female is not necessarily due to the pair’s sexes or genders.
- Downstate - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 4:47 pm:
This is a list of the committee members for the Tuesday hearing:
Robert Martwick
Michael J. Zalewski
Thomas Morrison
Carol Ammons
Mark Batinick
Kelly M. Burke
Linda Chapa LaVia
Barbara Flynn Currie
Scott Drury
Jeanne M Ives
Sheri Jesiel
David McSweeney
Carol Sente
Grant Wehrli
This issue is big enough that I would expect every member would be in attendance. If not (and without a reasonable excuse), it speaks volumes as to the priority of this issue as an elected official.
AND, if one of these members has previously acted in an inappropriate sexual manner, I hope at least one of their victims is in attendance.
- Not just woman - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 5:05 pm:
For many years I worked in a male dominated career. Many times I was a subject of comments, grabs, etc. and when I finally filed a complaint, it was dismissed. In those instances, I not only blame the individual committing the act, but also the administration who turned a blind eye. But that also brings me to the other side. I know men who were also sexually harassed by those who were their bosses or people of influence. I imagine it has also occurred in the Capitol at one time or another. My point is in order to educate individuals on sexual harassment, do not assume that females are the only victims. Teach the both males and females can be both victim or offender. You will get more people to pay attention to right and wrong, and not to sit by and watch because it is t happening to them.
- Lottie O'Neill - Thursday, Oct 26, 17 @ 8:05 pm:
If it only occurs to you to respect a female colleague because you somehow equate her to your mother/wife/daughter — you’re part of the problem.
Next time, just understand that she’s in the position she’s in because she earned it.
Not because she’s met some moral standard that you yourself constructed.