Forum Takes on Harassment at TX Capitol
AUSTIN, Texas - The #metoo movement prompted a discussion Tuesday about accusations of sexual harassment at the state capitol.
The public forum, Tuesday morning, was organized by the Texas Tribune. The three Democrats, one Republican, and two reporters on the panel agreed this discussion about sexual harassment at the Texas capitol was long overdue.
"Yes its different and I don’t see how we can go back, the Genie is out of the bottle,” said State Rep. Donna Howard ( D) Austin.
The gathering did not produce a list of state lawmakers who have allegedly misbehaved under the capitol dome. The focus was mostly on how the complaint process and how reforming it has been a challenge.
"Yes we need some changes but we have to remember, keep the victims safe, make sure they feel like they can come forward, they will be protected, and then a due process factor for those who are accused,” said State Sen. Joan Huffman ( R ) Houston.
"If the folks who have been on the receiving end of this assaults, harassment, don’t feel like they can come even privately to legislators and talk about it, I don’t know how you can respond,” said former State Senator Wendy Davis.
Davis and Huffman offered different opinions about whether or not there is a predatory environment in the capitol.
"I do believe that we need to examine this very closely and makes sure what’s occurring doesn't occur anymore,” said Huffman.
There was agreement that a public release of every accusation can be used as a political weapon. An example of that typically happens during the election cycle with the filing of ethics complaints by political rivals.
"You prevent it by making sure you have the right due process system in place, that is swift and that is the kind that of process that will hold accountable those that need to be held accountable and that will exculpate those who deserve to be exculpated,” said Davis.
The state Senate is currently trying to come up with a new Sexual harassment policy. A revamping has already been done by House members. It was completed early last month.
The new house policy identifies several different types of harassment. They range from pranks, suggestive remarks to unwanted physical conduct. Legislative staff members and interns must also complete an educational program by the end of January. There are several options for filing a complaint under the new policy.
If it’s against an elected official- the complaint goes to the house administration committee. Complaints against a staff person can also be made with the committee, but other options include the Texas Work Force Civil Rights Division or the federal EEOC. Concern was voiced during the forum that lobbyist and reporters are not covered by the new house policy.
"We've got to incorporate everyone to have a say so in it, because we want to make sure the public has trust in it, and that it is transparent and it’s something that is going to be productive, because if we just do a policy and it’s not going to do what we hope it will do, it will be another failure,” said State Rep. Ina Minjarez ( D ) San Antonio.
Organizers of the forum were criticized for not having any African American women on the panel or any men. The forum closed with the promised that the discussion would continue.