KANSAS CITY – The Women’s Foundation made the following statement regarding findings that Missouri House Assistant Minority Leader Daron McGee sexually harassed and retaliated against an employee.
“Sexual harassment must never be tolerated — not in our workplaces, not on our college campuses, and not in the halls of government,” said Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO. “The fact that the victim in this case was ultimately fired is another troubling example of why sexual harassment has profound and lasting impacts on women’s financial – as well as emotional – well-being. We thank the House Ethics Committee for its vigorous and thorough investigation of Representative McGee’s misconduct, and the leadership of the Missouri House for continuing to embrace the reforms we helped initiate four years ago. Combating sexual harassment will take constant vigilance and a sustained effort, and we look forward to continuing to work to eradicate sexual harassment and misconduct from our state capitals once and for all.”
Following multiple reports of sexual harassment and hostile work environments in the Missouri State Capitol in 2015, the Women’s Foundation worked with former House Speaker Todd Richardson to strengthen sexual harassment policies.
The Women’s Foundation also partnered with Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), and Partners In Prevention, to create the Intern Resource Network to help identify, report and prevent sexual harassment against interns.
In Kansas, the Women’s Foundation worked with former Gov. Jeff Colyer and state Sen. Susan Wagle to make recommendations and take steps to prevent sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation across state government.
More information on the Women’s Foundation’s work to combat sexual harassment is available at: http://www.womens-foundation.org/sexual-harassment
The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using research, philanthropy and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.
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