The leader of the California Senate announced Monday he has hired an independent law firm to look into allegations of sexual harassment and assault.
An outside human resources firm was also hired to review the Senateâs policies on harassment, discrimination and retaliation. In a statement, Senate leader Kevin de León says everyone deserves a workplace free of harassment and sexual misbehavior.
More than 300 women working in politics have now signed a letter condemning a culture of sexual harassment, and in some cases assault, in Sacramento. The women have declined to name the men involved.
Adama Iwu, senior director of state and local government relations for Visa, was one of the women behind the letter. Iwu says while sheâs glad the Senate is taking action, she questions whether itâs part of the problem.
âThis is basically a self-investigation,” she says. “Thatâs tricky, and thatâs risky for women whoâve already said they donât want to come out.â
The hierarchical structure of the Capitol seems to provide little incentive for women to take action when thereâs a problem.
Attorney Mary-Alice Coleman says she has spoken with many women about possible harassment claims around the Capitol over the years. But sheâs only been involved with litigation for three. She says the power dynamics prove too intimidating for most women.
âIf an assemblymember or a senator is involved, that complicates the accountability a hundred fold,” she says. “And it makes the situation much more difficult and perilous for the victims.â
And women donât seem to be reaching out to their HR departments either. Debra Gravert is the chief administrative officer of the state Assembly, which oversees about 1200 employees. She says the Assembly investigated three sexual harassment claims last year.
âBut then you have this letter that says itâs prevalent. So it doesnât equal what we weâve seen,” she says. “Itâs frustrating and disheartening.â
Still, Gravert says she believes the Assembly has a good process in place for responding to the complaints it does receive.
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