EDITORIAL: End the silence, use of state dollars in sexual harassment settlements
The state is facing problems on two fronts:
--Elected officials: The state Employee Liability Self-Insurance Program paid out for settlements in allegations against state Rep.
--Non-elected employees: Several departments within state government have faced a slew of allegations over the past five years, right-to-know requests show. Highest among them are the
Gov.
"
We agree that these individuals should pay for their own financial protection rather than reaching out to taxpayer-funded insurance policies when their behaviors come into question.
Settlements in the Caltagirone and Jewell cases note that both deny the allegations against them and bar accusers from talking publicly about their cases.
State House Democratic Leader
Wolf called on fellow Democrat Caltagirone to resign from office -- along with others who face such allegations of inappropriate behavior. We agree.
"Verbal and physical harassment is flat-out wrong, whether towards an employee or any other person.
Female elected officials in both the
A proposal by state Rep.
Abbott said the state is conducting "an analysis of settlements" concerning complaints against employees.
We urge Wolf and his top administrators to expand and toughen their policies to protect women who work in state government facilities and to ensure maximum discipline for those who engage in sexual harassment and other inappropriate behaviors.
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