CommentsBCK FILE--Another week has passed with yet more women coming forward with sexual harassment allegations against a who’s who of Hollywood and politics, including Sen. Al Franken, former SNL cast member, Roy Moore, the candidate to replace Attorney Jeff Sessions senate seat, Roy Moore, actor Jeffrey Tambor, and Russell Simmons, among others.
And this past week, Rep. Jackie Speier (D-Calif.) (photo above) made an announcement that the House had paid out $15 million in harassment settlements for at least a decade.
The $15 million figure also covered settlements for discrimination based on race, religion, and disabilities, as clarified by one of Speier’s spokespersons. The period in question is from 1997-2016.
The complaints and settlements are under the jurisdiction of The Office of Compliance (OOC) and settlements are paid from a dedicated fund operated by the Treasury Department.
There has been lots of talk about a culture of sexual harassment in the Capitol with multiple staffers, interns, and others coming forward and there is also a call for reform.
Rep. Bradley Byrne (R-Ala.) suggested in testimony before the House Administration Committee that those who had been settled sexual harassment cases out of the fund, which may not be possible retroactively due to contracts.
Speier also stated that two representatives are currently under investigation for sexual harassment and has proposed legislation that would require sexual harassment training for House members and staff. A letter signed by more than 1,500 former staffers complains of “inadequate” policies in Congress and a number of female lawmakers have come forward with their own experiences as representatives or when serving as aides.
Approval for training seems to be bipartisan with House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wisc), Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) giving approval, as well as Senate Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.)
The culture of sexual harassment is pervasive, from the studios and offices of Hollywood to corporate suites throughout the country, as well as numerous levels of government, city, state, and federal. As more women and men come forward, with hope, this culture will experience a shift.
Sexual comments, harassment, and groping that were seen as business as usual are no longer tolerated as more victims feel empowered. To bring about a change that extends beyond trending news, we need to continue to inform and define sexual harassment and how to address concerns, no matter what the industry.
(Beth Cone Kramer is a Los Angeles writer and a CityWatch columnist.
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