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House Democratic Women’s Caucus to launch “Representing Respect”

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Illinois

* From Democratic state Reps. Kelly Burke, Deb Conroy and Ann Williams…

Yesterday, we heard from longtime statehouse employee Sherri Garrett about the inappropriate behavior she faced as an employee of the Illinois House – the latest in a series of allegations about harassment, retaliation and bullying behavior in and around Illinois government and politics.

The resignation of Speaker Madigan’s Chief of Staff Tim Mapes was the right decision in the wake of yesterday’s allegations, and we commend Ms. Garrett and all the others who shared their stories in an effort to bring positive change to our work environment. But the problem is much bigger than any one individual, regardless of what position they hold. Each allegation, each story shared publicly or privately, add up to one conclusion: the culture surrounding Illinois government and politics must change.

As members of the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus, we recommend an independent investigation to review all operations of the House of Representatives, including the Office of the Speaker. We have a responsibility to ensure not only an impartial, fair and transparent process for the adjudication of complaints, but also to change the culture that has permitted inappropriate behavior to flourish.

Additionally, the House Democratic Women’s Caucus will launch a powerful new program, called “Representing Respect” – developed to create change and impact the workplace culture in a much different way than a typical harassment training.

• This interactive program, which was developed by law firm Seyfarth Shaw and called “Seyfarth Shaw at Work,” is results- and data-driven. It has been utilized by many Fortune 500 companies to establish core values and educate team members as to how interpersonal interactions should reflect these values. (See link, below.)

• The Illinois Legislature would be first in the country to adopt this sort of dynamic training, and the program will be tailored to reflect the realities of working in a non-traditional environment like the Capitol. We thank Asst. Majority Leader Sara Feigenholtz for leading the effort to facilitate the development of this program for our own Caucus and for spearheading efforts to move forward with this project, and Majority Leader Barbara Currie for her strong leadership of the Sexual Harassment Task Force.

• Several House members have participated in an abbreviated version of the program, and we plan to pilot the complete program later this summer with our Democratic colleagues in the House and recommend it be provided to all staff in the fall.

We are committed to working to improve our workplace environment for all women – and men - who work in and around the Capitol in any capacity. We believe we can make a real difference and hope our colleagues in all other caucuses will consider participating.

http://www.seyfarthshawatwork.com/

Discuss.

posted by Rich Miller
Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 12:56 pm

Comments

Feigenholtz and other members of the women’s caucus stood with Lang. Nuff said, from victims’ perspective.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:08 pm
Due respect, but this seems like a punt. Was kinda hoping they might take a bolder stance.

Comment by PJ Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:08 pm
I’m all for having a discussion, making people hear other points of view. Some of the remarks people are getting in trouble for could just be ignorance or a lack of tact/understanding, with no malice behind the, and sitting people down and beating this stuff into their heads might eventually get it through to them where the new lines need to be drawn. So it might help in some cases, and even with the “offenders” this doesn’t reach - because there are a lot of folk that know they’re doing wrong and simply don’t care - at the very least the new expectations will be clear.

Again, I want specifics on what kind of investigation they want. What would be good enough for them, if everyone is so unimpressed with the LIG and Madigan’s response in general.

And what does “all operations” mean? It doesn’t say all complaints, it doesn’t say they want to speak to everyone (staff, lobbyists, legislators) one on one to ask if they have complaints, it says they want to investigate “all operations.”

Comment by Perrid Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:08 pm
They ignored Hampton.
They ignored Cassidy.
They backed Lang.
They were quiet on Garrett yesterday.

Stop it. Do something meaningful instead of patting yourselves on the back for a pilot training program.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:14 pm
I’ll say it, just to be on the record and for it to be “noted.”

Be careful what you wish for folks, you just might get it.
You’re working towards chaos - the kind of chaos that will impact a lot of people in a lot of different ways.

It’s entertaining to observe. But I’m sure glad my livelihood and self worth ain’t based on the survival of Mike Madigan and the network of control he exerts.

Comment by Little Changes Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:15 pm
Such a weak play. Clearly the House Democratic caucus lacks leadership. This is what you get when you fear who rules over you. NOW is the time for bold leadership!!… not this. Ugh.

Comment by Flat Bed Ford Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:17 pm
Who will be participating? HD? HR? both chambers?
Any input beyond this caucus?
Who is paying for it?

Comment by Langhorne Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:24 pm
This seems like a good idea. Thank you for your leadership with this.

Comment by Lime Soda Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:33 pm
Really? Bash on the House women’s caucus? Who else in Springfield is doing anything but looking for their next headline to jump on! This group of thoughtful legislators are working on long-term solutions to changing the Springfield culture. Give them a chance before you criticize the work they are doing. They are stepping up to the plate in a time where fear and uncertainty is everywhere.

Comment by FemalewithaCAPITOLF Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:33 pm
Imagine what would happen if the House Democratic Women’s Caucus in unison called for the Speaker to step down and demanded a special election to elect a new Speaker.

They would save every single Democrat on the ballot.
They would remove Rauner’s only issue.
And they would change the “culture” (that ambiguous word that means something different depending on who you ask.)

In one fell swoop.

Just imagine.

Comment by Sideline Watcher Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:33 pm
Finally, someone is trying to do something! Thank you ladies for trying to offer some type of solution. We can all talk about the problems in Springfield, and we all know they are there. We need solutions to a very real problem instead of just finger pointing and talking about the fact their needs to be a change. I’m happy someone is trying to offer a solution to a monumental problem.

Comment by Fantasma Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:33 pm
They are rejecting the Speaker’s plan to “appoint” an investigator by calling for an independent review - that matters.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:38 pm
Sideline @1:33pm. Yep, you see the light, but most Dem female reps can’t, or won’t.

Comment by My New Handle Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:39 pm
“Representing Respect” should be bipartisan for both Houses.

Comment by Mama Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:41 pm
====As members of the Illinois House Democratic Women’s Caucus, we recommend an independent investigation to review all operations of the House of Representatives, including the Office of the Speaker====
I think discussion is needed and this is as good a way as any to start. But as I brought up in an earlier thread today who is going to do this independent investigation and who decides? Madigan would have to agree in order for it to go forward and if he does everyone one screams he is behind it and it’s not independent.

Comment by Been There Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:43 pm
Wonder how Madigan will respond to the call to the independent investigation. Also I am sure they would welcome Senate and HGOP caucuses to do the program as well.

Comment by Lucky Charms Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:46 pm
====They would save every single Democrat on the ballot.
They would remove Rauner’s only issue.
And they would change the “culture” (that ambiguous word that means something different depending on who you ask.)

In one fell swoop.

Just imagine.=====

That’s your opinion. Mine is different. I think if they do as you say the Repubs have a huge issue to run with up and down the ballot and it could be a disaster for the Dems. While this issue is huge it’s not the only issue out there. Nor the most important to many other people and causes.

Comment by Been There Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 1:47 pm
How is it a “weak play” to try to establish a long-term solution that protects people coming forth with complaints and allows for due process. This makes the most sense of any plan ive seen so far. It takes time to get a good lasting plan. Solutions, haters.

Comment by Anonymous Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:08 pm
Sideline - you are totally missing the point here. I’ve been in Springfield for nearly 25 years and have been sexually harassed my members of every caucus. This isn’t a leadership issue, it’s a Springfield issue. And turning this into a Madigan issue is politicizing the #metoo movement. I applaud the House Democratic Women’s Caucus for trying to affect positive change. What are the other 3 caucuses doing to address this problem? Change takes action and I’ve seen very few actions to make a positive change.

Comment by Anon Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:16 pm
Any effort with the right intentions is praiseworthy.

Let’s hope they represent respect radically and with candor. haha #TBT

Comment by cdog Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:19 pm
Fair points. That’s why I said, just imagine. I still think however, even if you take politics out of it, that it’s long past time for new leadership. In any other situation, the head at the top would be gone. The responsibility for the culture resides with the one at the top. So I completely respect other opinions. But I am in no way missing the point.

Comment by Sideline Watcher Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 2:36 pm
An independent investigation is a big step in the right direction. With the power the Speaker wields—and his obvious willingness to use it—this investigation probably could not have been called for during session. Sustained progress comes from deliberate investigations, it does not come from pitchforks and torches.

Comment by James from Lakeview Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:04 pm
Too little too late by these ladies. They had multiple opportunities to do something. This is a CYA move.

Comment by Shytown Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:39 pm
Seyfarth, Shaw is certainly familiar with harassment issues. For decades it was, and perhaps still is, the go-to law firm for businesss which wanted to harass its employees when they attempted to form a union.

Comment by Truthteller Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:44 pm
I don’t think it’s fair to say that this is a weak play or whatever other snide comments have been offered. We should assume they are actually trying to offer a solution to a serious problem, and good on them for doing so.

BUT - I don’t know how seriously we should take this, considering none of these folks have ever stood up to Madigan nor will they stand up to Madigan come next January. Offer solutions, that’s great, but don’t let these plans also deflect from the fact that replacing Madigan as speaker and party chairman would go a long way towards combating these problems in Springfield (especially if said person were female).

And before you get on your high horse, remember that almost all of the offenders whom accusations are being made about come from the House side of the Capitol - not the Senate side. Until a bunch of credible accusations are leveled at Cullerton and his members, it’s not very fair to consider this a “Springfield issue” instead of a “Madigan issue”.

Comment by Lester Holt’s Mustache Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 3:50 pm
I’ve heard of COWL but I wasn’t even aware this “caucus” existed. Have the Reps been elected by their peers to speak for this caucus? Are there titles associated with this caucus? I say great if it helps but color me skeptical.

Comment by Glass half full Thursday, Jun 7, 18 @ 8:02 pm
Not much diversity there and should be both Dems and Repubs.

Comment by One to the Dome Friday, Jun 8, 18 @ 5:31 am