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* Heidi Stevens in the Tribune…
An open letter outlining rampant sexual harassment in Illinois politics began circulating Monday and garnered signatures from more than 160 women and men vowing to demand better. […]
“A lot of us felt like it was just us — we were being singled out because we were young or we were alone or we were single,” [Katelynd Duncan, founder of political fundraising organization KJD Strategies] told me. “This demonstrates solidarity that there’s not a woman in this industry we know who hasn’t had this experience. It’s a testament to how long we’ve been experiencing this in the shadows and behind closed doors and keeping it to ourselves.” […]
In each of the explosive sexual harassment and sexual assault stories that have captured the public attention since Weinstein’s downfall, we’ve tended to focus — rightly — on the dehumanizing, demoralizing effect of power players preying on their less powerful subordinates.
But we shouldn’t ignore the equally dangerous chilling effect on women’s professional success, particularly as we’re made aware just how many industries the harassment and assault cut across.
“Women in politics are taught very early on there will be negative repercussions for speaking up,” Duncan said. “This type of behavior and this type of culture really deeply changes how women feel about themselves in the workplace, and they limit the opportunities they expose themselves to. You don’t want to go out to dinner with candidate x, y or z. You don’t want to stay out for drinks. You don’t want to meet them at their house to pick up some papers.
* AP…
Duncan has experienced sexual harassment herself.
“I had a candidate who refused to pay me because I rejected him constantly, to go out to dinner or break up with my boyfriend, and I also had another candidate who fired me when I used the word inappropriate to his campaign,” Duncan said.
Duncan said her harassers include some elected officials who are still in office. She did not want to name them so as not to distract from the effort to change the culture. […]
“For every woman who feels comfortable talking about their experience, there are 100 women who are too afraid to share their story for fear of being fired, for fear of not being believed, for fear of public shaming,” Duncan said.
* NBC 5…
The issue isn’t just about the hazards women face in the workplace, supporters said – it’s also about the negative impact a toxic culture has on the policies that come from Springfield.
“I’ve devoted my life to fighting for a strong state, to fighting for a healthier planet, for healthier communities and ultimately this culture in Springfield is preventing us from having a stronger democracy,” [Kady McFadden with the Sierra Club] said.
“We’re the ones that pass legislation and laws, and if we can’t set the bar, if we can’t set the standard for how to behave, then shame on us,” added Duncan.
* Sun-Times…
State Sen. Toi Hutchinson, who signed the open letter, said the campaign is not about naming names. It’s about making women feel they don’t have to be ashamed or silenced about their experiences.
“That open letter was never intended to start hauling people out of the Capitol and criminalizing a whole bunch of stuff. That’s not the issue. The issue is this survives in silence. And there are a number of people who are tired of being silenced,” said Hutchinson, D-Olympia Fields.
“Anytime you’re talking about changing the culture around something it starts with robust conversation. There used to be a time when you were the only black lobbyist in the room, you could hear people make racial jokes. And black folks had to grin and bear it if you want to work in the Capitol. There was a time when there were no women lobbyists. So for the first ones that were here, I can’t even imagine what it was like for them.” […]
State Rep. Ann Williams, D-Chicago, said she hopes the conversations expand from sexual harassment to battling sexism in politics.
“I think we get so used to it, it almost becomes something that we work around, coping mechanisms to get around sexism and sexual comments and the objectification of women. But I think the more deeper issue I want involved in any deeper conversation are the systemic issues that exist in the workplace for women and are alive and well in Springfield,” Williams said.
* WSPY…
The solutions called for in the letter are for women to speak up, men to call out sexual harassment and voters to hold politicians who engage in sexual harassment accountable on Election Day.
One of the signers of the letter, State Representative Sara Feigenholtz, has also filed a resolution urging those in government to work on changing the culture in Springfield that the resolution says breeds sexual harassment.
The resolution is here.
* Meanwhile The Hill continues its series about problems at Statehouses throughout the country and our old friend Emily Miller was interviewed…
Miller recalled having to slip away from a colleague who tried to follow her back to her hotel room.
After the man was fired from his job for harassing another young woman, Miller called his boss to share her story. She got a quick view of how difficult it can be for women, whether they are lobbyists, aides or state lawmakers themselves, to get justice.
“I feel like I could have prevented this, but I didn’t think you would believe me,” Miller told the man’s boss.
“You’re right,” she said the boss told her. “We wouldn’t have.”
* Related…
* Mark Brown: Sadly, Springfield hasn’t outgrown boys’ club nonsense: It’s an awkward discussion, especially coming from a guy, because I know that some of the best insights and story tips can emerge from those after-hours conversations in Springfield’s bars and restaurants. And women shouldn’t have to exclude themselves just because men fail to recognize appropriate boundaries.
posted by Rich Miller
Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:22 am
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“You’re right,” she said the boss told her. “We wouldn’t have.”
Wowowowowozie. Are you serious? Would that person have felt differently if it was one of their family members?
Comment by Honeybadger Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:28 am
I hope the culture changes for the better.
Unwelcome advances are never acceptable. And mixing sex and power is wrong.
Comment by Last Bull Moose Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:31 am
>Are you serious?
I believe her 1000%. Women are rarely believed. It’s one of the many reasons for not coming forward. I’ll at least give the boss a sliver of credit for admitting it.
Comment by Anonymiss Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:31 am
I hope this week changes things, but I don’t think it will in the long run. In fact, don’t we have a bunch of Senate Dems and Committeemen right now lining up behind the guy that called his opponent “Miss America” in an attempt to belittle her? It’s not enough to pretend to care, we have to stop supporting the people that are rampantly doing this.
Comment by Annonn Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:39 am
The troncs would know first-hand from a culture of sexual harassment, AKA the Zell/Michaels bankruptcy/ESOP robbery era.
Perhaps long-time scribblers there would like to share their experiences with their readers.
Comment by wordslinger Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:40 am
Besides the institutional changes that are needed and being promoted now, there are personal level things that young women can do to protect themselves.
First and foremost, save some money. If you live below your means, and accumulate several months’ worth of expense money, you have more power and won’t feel like you haven’t any options. Someone is making your life miserable or even unsafe, you have the power to walk away. The “system” may work, but don’t get yourself assaulted waiting for that to happen.
Another tough lesson learned toughly, is to not hesitate to quietly involve a much higher authority. Put the perp in a box. Document the incident(s) and then you, a powerful decision maker/executive, and the perp, go into a room together. You let those two parties know that the game is over and there will be a huge price to pay if it continues. The boss is smart enough to pick the correct side. If not, walk away. (Documentation is key)
My two 20-something daughters have had to follow both these suggestions already in their lives.
Comment by cdog Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:43 am
==In fact, don’t we have a bunch of Senate Dems and Committeemen right now lining up behind the guy that called his opponent “Miss America” in an attempt to belittle her?==
I don’t think that qualifies as sexual harassment. Dumb and insulting and sexist, no doubt, but not sexual harassment.
Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:50 am
@cdog “don’t get yourself assaulted waiting for that to happen”
Get yourself assaulted? Really?
Comment by Anon Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:56 am
==I don’t think that qualifies as sexual harassment. Dumb and insulting and sexist, no doubt, but not sexual harassment.==
It’s all part of the culture of disrespect for females. It’s all part of the same package all tied up in the same bow. Surely you must see that. Please tell us you see that.
Comment by Responsa Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 10:57 am
“The “system” may work, but don’t get yourself assaulted waiting for that to happen.”
Oh my. You want to take a second run at saying that?
Comment by illini97 Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 11:09 am
Yes, it is all part of the same package - not treating women as people, objectifying them, touching them, etc.
Also, I think before this thing is over, we’ll get some stories with names attached, which I think will be very interesting.
Comment by Annonn Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 11:11 am
People, let’s try and not turn this into yet another hyperpartisan exercise. Also, please avoid semantics arguments. Thanks.
Comment by Rich Miller Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 11:11 am
@cdog. I don’t want to diminish the things your daughters are doing to become strong, independent women. They are not bad things.
But I need you to believe me when I tell you that no amount of savings can prevent retaliation from reporting sexual harassment or assault from destroying your daughters’ lives financially, personally, or professionally. That can be particularly true if you escalate it to a higher authority.
I appreciate you trying to protect your daughters and set them up for success. And when they experience sexual harassment in the workplace or in their personal lives, which they are likely to, I hope you believe them and support them. It is not a lack of preparation on the part of women that leaves them open to the consequences of sexual harassment and assault.
I’m not trying to attack you, but your statement is very problematic, as it places the burden on women to solve this.
Comment by Emily Miller Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 11:17 am
Teaching daughters defense wouldn’t be necessary if parents taught their sons to stop pressing offense.
Comment by Dome Gnome Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 11:23 am
- Rabid - Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 11:14 am:
is parading yourself across the stage in a swimsuit for entertainment sexist
Rabid, you are right. Went to a County Fair where my 6-year old g-daughter was in a “princess contest, leading up to the County Fair Queen. Realized that she is being prepped for the Queen competition when she is older, which will include swimming suit competition.
I’m almost 70 years old, the girls in the swimming suit comp are young in enough to be my g-daughters; while I can admire some of them for their beauty, some of them still have baby fat, for god’s sake. While I realize that a lot of men are hung up on sex with kids or young women, I found the swimsuit comp demeaning to the girls.
Please note that this is an official Department of Ag approved event. The gal running the show was a former beauty queen who said that she found these competitions a way to earn scholarships. In other words, she paraded around in a swimsuit to make money-kind of sounds like a woman at a strip club….
Quite frankly, calling a women “Miss America” IS belittling… and she deserves it….
Comment by downstate commissioner Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 11:48 am
As a male, long-time Springfield type (staffer/lobbyist) I’m hoping names get named. First, I’d like to see the bad actors held responsible for what they’ve done. Second, for selfish purposes, I don’t want to be painted with the broad brush of guilt that is dragging over Springfield.
Comment by STS Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 11:52 am
==Second, for selfish purposes, I don’t want to be painted with the broad brush of guilt that is dragging over Springfield.==
Well, as long as you benefit from a legacy of male privilege without having to be accountable for any of it, great
Comment by Chris Widger Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 12:12 pm
For folks here with sons instead of daughters, are you talking to your sons about this issue?
I hope so.
Comment by Robert the Bruce Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 12:19 pm
If victims are not willing to name offenders & provide details the conduct will never change.
Comment by south side sam Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 12:27 pm
@emily, I appreciate your tone, and somewhat agree that it can be treacherous to escalate. Documentation is key; a case must be built.
So out of fear of retailliation, reputation damage, financial retribution, everyone stays silent? The tragedies continue because no one has the courage, or support, to neutralize a serial perpetrator?
I say be strong, fearless, document, negotiate a ceasefire. If that doesn’t work, escalate and take down the creep. That’s whose reputation needs adjusted.
It can be done and has been done.
I argue that there is a burden on women to participate in the solution.
People will do with you what you let them. Don’t let them.
Comment by cdog Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 12:33 pm
Who knows maybe Access Hollywood was in Springfield and has a 10 year old bombshell to drop a month before the next election.
Comment by Lucky Pierre Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 12:37 pm
Lots of upheaval within SEIU this week with sexual harassment charges being levied against high ranking officials.
Comment by City Zen Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 12:40 pm
Don’t forget- it’s not only the male bosses who don’t believe the women, or don’t want them to come forward. Ivanka Trump advised women to quit their jobs if they are harassed. As if everyone can just do that. Or as if the woman should be the one to give up or modify her career path. Job interview… why did you quit your previous job? Don’t hire her, she’s likely to sue us.
Comment by Thoughts Matter Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 1:21 pm
Out with the old!
Comment by Name names Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 1:47 pm
Creeps ruin everything.
Comment by A guy Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 1:51 pm
==For folks here with sons instead of daughters, are you talking to your sons about this issue?==
Thank you for reminding us that there are two parties to these situations. Women wouldn’t be on defensive if they weren’t being attacked in the first place.
Comment by ChgoSphynx Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 2:00 pm
cdog — I know you mean well, but a woman shouldn’t have to walk away from the job she has been educated and trained to do, just because a man chooses to harass or assault her.
Women should not have to live beneath their means — not go on vacation, not buy furniture, whatever — because they must always be prepared to respond to criminal behavior.
And when you talk about “taking down a creep.” What if you don’t want to undergo the publicity and stress of an accusation and an investigation? Why shouldn’t a woman simply have the right to go about her business, do her job, and have the same right to quiet enjoyment of her own home that her male colleagues take for granted?
And suppose a woman does all of these things. Suppose she lives in a shoebox, saves her money, punches her creepy boss in the eye when he gets handsy, resigns in a public huff, makes a formal accusation, sees it through all the unpleasantness to a moderately satisfactory end (living off her saving throughout the process, I assume). Suppose she does all of these things — what makes you think it won’t happen again? and again?
Comment by Soccermom Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 2:45 pm
I cannot speak from recent experience, but I would be cautious to label offenders as “old.” in my past experience the offenders who groped were in their ’30s. today they would be pushing 60, still getting contracts, still working in Democratic politics. women on campuses are being assaulted in disturbingly high numbers. the offenders are young men. Assume that everyone of every age needs to know about the problem and that unwanted touching is not permissible, in fact, it is illegal.
Comment by Amalia Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 2:50 pm
Roughly 20 years ago I worked for an lobbying assn. My boss at the time, was inappropriate and harassing on a regular basis to all the female employees.
My father was a legislator at the time,(which you’d think would deter folks, but in the town of good ol’ boys, not-so-much) when I told him about it and all the documentation I’d already made… he was of course horrified, but also was very frank in what would (or actually wouldn’t) happen should I try to pursue anything, in this town. I didn’t have enough money as a 20-something, but I worked very hard to find another job, which I did.
Still have all that documentation. People will still have a propensity to not believe you, and say it’s your word against theirs.
Comment by Mad Brown Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 2:54 pm
When you give other people the power to abuse you, you become part of the problem.
I guess I’m more practical minded and realize that there will never be a complete sweeping away of these types. Isn’t it a little bit of a darker side of some’s human nature?
To stick around and endure more, however, is a classic example of the abuse cycle. Don’t endorse this.
Women, or men, should be prepared to walk away if reasonable solutions are not available.
The staycation in the shoebox may be the wisest choice while a safe and pleasant life is acquired. #practicalwisdom
Comment by cdog Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 2:57 pm
To perps (any gender) - if you dont want your “suggestions” to be on the news avoid these types of settings and if you have to be there take a witness so you arent accused of making “suggestions”.
To recipients of unwanted “suggestions” (from any gender) - if you dont want suggestions avoid these type of settings and if you have to be there take a witness, and complain of your horrible stomach flu bouts you’ve been having. If confronted with an unexpected “suggestion” say no thank you, you have other plans and leave immediately.
Set boundaries. Stay inside of yours and dont cross theirs.
Comment by Team Warwick Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 2:57 pm
“When you give other people the power to abuse you, you become part of the problem.”
Wow, cdog, you’re really the expert in this field aren’t you?
You must have some real world experiences of walking away from job after job where you were harassed and treated inappropriately.
Comment by Anonymous Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 3:03 pm
Amalia - fair point. When I was 22 they all seemed old. But it was really a wide range of ages.
Comment by BothSidesOfHisMouth Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 3:06 pm
I think it should be noted Rich that the Sun Times story was on the front page of the paper today.
Comment by Rod Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 4:10 pm
Cdog-
Stop
Just stop
Stop with the mansplaining.
Seriously
Comment by Honeybear Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 4:51 pm
I wonder if any local journalists or bloggers need to attend training as well?
Comment by Tiny Hands at Floyds Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 5:11 pm
There are currently two members of the GA with records of police involvement in domestic violence incidents. Those members are warmly embraced by the media, their caucus mates and leadership. If those two people suddenly resign tomorrow, we can begin to take this effort seriously. Until then, it is just talk.
Comment by Disappointed Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 9:27 pm
You want to “change the culture” you have to force behavior to change. Only way to do that is to name names. Otherwise there is no incentive for bad actors to stop.
Comment by Captain Obvious Wednesday, Oct 25, 17 @ 9:41 pm