Women’s Foundation to Work With Attorney General to Combat Sexual Harassment

JEFFERSON CITY – Women’s Foundation announced today that it will partner with Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley on a comprehensive review of existing discrimination and harassment policies in the Capitol and across state government.

The Attorney General’s Office and the Women’s Foundation jointly issued a set of general principles that will help guide this statewide review. These guideposts draw on the Women’s Foundation’s past experience advising government entities on discrimination and sexual harassment best practices.

“Every instance of sexual harassment is a barrier to women’s political and professional advancement,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of the Women’s Foundation. “As an organization that is dedicated to increasing the number of women in leadership positions, we’ve seen first-hand how sexual harassment, discrimination and retaliation can deter women from civic engagement. We look forward to continuing to be a resource for the Attorney General’s Office, the Missouri General Assembly and all public officials working to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in state government.”

In December, the Women’s Foundation issued recommendations for preventing and combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature. Women’s Foundation also worked with Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer on his executive order to eliminate sexual harassment across state government.

In Missouri, Women’s Foundation partnered with Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) and Partners In Prevention to create the Intern Resource Network to help Missouri’s interns and employers understand how to best prevent and report sexual harassment.

The guideposts announced today with Attorney General Hawley are:

1.    Policies should clearly define harassment, discrimination, and retaliation and should provide concrete examples of prohibited conduct.

2.    Policies should establish clear and expeditious procedures for reporting, investigating, and acting on allegations of harassment, discrimination, and retaliation.

3.    Policies should provide victims with channels for submitting anonymous complaints to alleviate possible concerns regarding retaliation.

4.    Policies should provide for specific, predictable, and prompt consequences for employees found to have engaged in harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.

5.    Policies should provide strong checks to prevent retaliation against those who report possible harassment, discrimination, or retaliation.

6.    Policies should provide regular review and updating of employment policies.

7.    Agencies that employ interns should have policies that specifically address issues relating to employee conduct toward interns.

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.

Kansas Legislature Passes Updated Sexual Harassment Policy

TOPEKA, Kan. - Today the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council passed an updated sexual harassment policy that incorporates recommendations proposed by the Women’s Foundation, including providing for anonymous reporting by victims and independent investigations of sexual harassment allegations. 

Wendy Doyle, Women’s Foundation President & CEO, issued the following statement: 

“While there is still more work to be done, this updated sexual harassment policy is a good first step and we thank Senator Wagle and her colleagues for their work on this important issue. Strong leaders deliver results, and we look forward to continuing to work with legislative leaders to build on this progress and ensure the State Capitol provides the safe and professional workplace Kansans expect and deserve.”

In December, Women’s Foundation issued recommendations for combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature. 

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.

Women's Foundation Lauds Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer's Executive Order on Eliminating Sexual Harassment in State Government

TOPEKA, KS - Today the Women's Foundation commended Kansas Gov. Jeff Colyer for issuing an executive order to combat sexual harassment and discrimination in state government.

Gov. Colyer, who took office Wednesday, Jan. 31, consulted with the Women's Foundation's and utilized their recommendations in his executive order. 

"We are pleased Governor Colyer is taking action during the very first week of his administration to combat sexual harassment and ensure a safe and professional workplace culture across state government," said Women's Foundation President and CEO, Wendy Doyle. "His decisive leadership sends a clear message that sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation will no longer be tolerated under the Capitol dome or anywhere in state government. Governor Colyer has taken a significant step to stop misconduct and promote equity and opportunity."  

In December 2017, the Women's Foundation issued recommendations at the request of Senate President Susan Wagle (R-Wichita). They were developed with input from legal experts, advocates, and community stakeholders following media reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by Kansas state legislators. 

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.

Women’s Foundation Statement Commending Governor Colyer’s Commitment to Fighting Sexual Harassment

TOPEKA, Kan. - The Women’s Foundation today congratulated Governor Jeff Colyer on his swearing-in as Kansas’ 47th governor and commended his pledge to “insist on an environment of openness, honesty and respect and without harassment, especially in this building.”

“We congratulate Governor Colyer and applaud his commitment to creating a safe and respectful work environment free of sexual harassment, discrimination, and retaliation,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO, Wendy Doyle. “We commend Governor Colyer for setting the tone that a culture of sexual harassment will not be tolerated during his administration. We look forward to working with his administration to address what remains a pervasive issue across many industries, including state government.”

In December, Women’s Foundation issued recommendations for combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature. 

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using
philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change. More information
about the organization can be found at www.Womens-Foundation.org.

Women’s Foundation Announces Recommendations for Combating Sexual Harassment in Kansas Legislature

TOPEKA, KS – Today the Women’s Foundation announced recommendations for preventing and combating sexual harassment in the Kansas Legislature. The recommendations were developed with input from legal experts, advocates and community stakeholders following reports of widespread sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by Kansas state legislators. 

“Every instance of sexual harassment, especially when it is perpetrated by elected officials entrusted with political leadership, is a setback for gender equity and opportunity,” said Women’s Foundation President and CEO, Wendy Doyle. “Our review found that the Kansas Legislature lacks the policies, procedures and coordinated approach necessary to prevent sexual harassment from happening, and to respond effectively when it does. We look forward to helping the Kansas Legislature adopt these recommendations and working with leaders across state government to combat sexual harassment and promote equity and opportunity for all women.” 

After reports of sexual harassment and inappropriate behavior by Kansas state legislators, Senator Susan Wagle asked the Women’s Foundation to conduct a review of the legislature’s current policies regarding sexual harassment. The recommendations will be formally submitted to the Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council during a public hearing today.

The recommendations are grouped four categories: ethics and workplace culture, accountability and monitoring, education and awareness, and victim resources. They include: requiring elected officials, legislative staff, interns and lobbyists to actively participate in an annual training on civil discourse, cultural competence, and sexual harassment;  providing for independent, outside legal counsel to conduct sexual harassment investigations; allowing victims to report their allegations anonymously; establishing a non-fraternization policy for elected officials, legislative staff, interns and lobbyists; and banning arbitration and limiting mediation, which can serve to silence victims and shield sexual predators from accountability.

“Sexual harassment cannot be tolerated – not in our workplaces, not in our communities, and certainly not here in the Capitol,” said State Sen. Susan Wagle.  “I thank the Women’s Foundation for their dedication to addressing this issue and their work to develop these thoughtful recommendations. These recommendations give us a roadmap that will guide us in the weeks, months and years ahead as we work to eliminate sexual harassment, improve the culture of the capitol, and ensure the safety of everyone who works here.” 

The full list of the recommendations is available here.
 

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.

Women’s Foundation to Review Policies and Make Recommendations for Addressing Sexual Harassment in Kansas State Capitol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Women’s Foundation announced today that it will be working with  the Kansas Legislature to evaluate their current policies and make recommendations to improve the culture and combat sexual harassment in the Kansas Capitol.   Following similar reports of sexual harassment by Missouri legislators, Women’s Foundation 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.

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable in any workplace, but as we’ve seen in Kansas, Missouri and across the country, many state capitols continue to be hostile work environments for female employees and interns. This needs to change. We commend Senate President Susan Wagle for her leadership and for making clear there must be zero tolerance for sexual harassment in the Capitol. We look forward to working with Kansas legislators and Capitol staff to ensure a safe, respectful and equitable working environment for all employees and interns.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Doyle’s testimony to Kansas Legislative Coordinating Council members is available here.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.womens-foundation.org. 

Women’s Foundation Statement Regarding Sexual Harassment at the Kansas Capitol

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Women’s Foundation released the following statement today regarding reports of sexual harassment of interns and female staffers working at the Kansas Capitol:

“Sexual harassment is unacceptable – and the leaders in the Kansas legislature must take further steps to address these issues and ensure a safe environment for interns.  As long as sexual harassment exists and is enabled in the Kansas State Capitol or anywhere else, that presents a barrier for women to advance professionally and to lead in the future. Instead of accepting sexual harassment as part of the culture in our state capitols, legislators should vehemently condemn sexual harassment and be advocates for victims.

As a response to similar issues in Missouri, Women’s Foundation partnered with Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), and Partners In Prevention, to create the Intern Resource Network to help Missouri’s interns understand how to best prevent and report sexual harassment. We stand ready to work with Kansas legislators and Capitol staff to ensure a safe and equitable working environment for all employees and interns.”

— Wendy Doyle, Women's Foundation President & CEO

Learn more about the Intern Resource Portal here.

The Women’s Foundation promotes equity and opportunity for women of all ages, using philanthropy, research and policy solutions to make meaningful change.  More information about the organization can be found at www.womens-foundation.org.

New Website Aims to End Sexual Harassment Toward College Interns

Intern Resource Network will serve as information hub for interns and employers

Kansas City, Mo --  As students return to college campuses around the state to start their school semesters, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), Partners In Prevention, and Women’s Foundation are providing a new online tool to keep interns safe.  Today, in a virtual press conference, the groups announced the launch of the Intern Resource Network website. 

The Intern Resource Network addresses the reality that the workplace can be a very different environment than a college campus, leaving interns vulnerable to an imbalance of power and resulting actions of sexual harassment. Both male and female students confirmed that, although colleges offer a variety of prevention programs and support services on campus, they needed to be able to know about and gain access to additional support services and resources from programs in the larger community. The Intern Resource Network website can be used as a starting place to learn about best practices on sexual harassment in the workplace. 

“As one of our 2016 grant recipients, we are proud to support MCADSV and the Intern Resource Network, which will empower countless young women to learn their rights, prepare for internships, and identify sexual assault,” said Wendy Doyle, President & CEO of Women’s Foundation. “Women's Foundation is dedicated to removing barriers for women so they can achieve their full economic and leadership potential. As long as sexual harassment exists and is enabled, that presents a barrier for women to advance professionally and to lead in the future.”

“We wanted to ensure that students, advisors and site supervisors had the most comprehensive resource available,” said Matthew Huffman, Prevention Director at MCADSV. “Our goal is to equip students with the information to know the full extent of their rights under Title IX, while also encouraging employers to create workplaces that are safe and equitable.” 

“We are proud to partner with the Missouri Against Domestic and Sexual Violence to create the Intern Resource Network.” said Joan Masters, Senior Coordinator of Partners in Prevention. “We hope this tool will educate students and employers across the state and create safe, healthy work environments for everyone.”

“When I was an intern in Jefferson City, sexual harassment was a serious issue, and it’s clear it’s a problem that persists, often with devastating consequences for too many young women. " said  U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill. "So I’m really proud to support this new resource that’ll help give interns navigating the workplace for the very first time a place to turn to get reliable, confidential information and the tools to help combat this crime."

This resource will be a tool for young women and men to learn their rights as student interns, preparing for their internships, and identifying harassment within them. It is also a guide for students participating in apprenticeships or vocational programs. This tool goes even further by helping students find campus resources and advisors if they identify sexual harassment within their internships. 

"As Speaker of the House, I have made it a priority to improve the work environment in the Missouri Capitol so that interns, staff, and members can have a workplace where they are treated with respect and free from harassment,” said Speaker of the House Todd Richardson. “The Intern Resource Network will be useful in ensuring a healthy and safe work environment both in the Capitol and in workplaces throughout the state.  I appreciate the leadership of Women's Foundation, MCADSV and Partners in Prevention in addressing these issues head-on and developing practical solutions." 

MCADSV believes domestic and sexual violence will only end through education, alliance, research and public policy. The Coalition has published research regarding domestic and sexual violence and has used that research to create prevention guidelines and legislative advocacy to end abuse. Since the Coalition began its work, more than 100 domestic and sexual violence programs have formed across Missouri.

“Internships play an important role in the private sector for both the intern and the organizations hosting these programs,” said Brandi Riggs, 2017 SHRM-KC President and HR Director for McCownGordon Construction. “Employers have a responsibility to ensure that interns receive the same respect and fair treatment that other employees receive.  This includes understanding the company’s Code of Conduct and anti-harassment policies and how to respond to and report incidents which violates such policies. The Intern Resource Project will play an important role.”

This website was created by the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV) and Partners in Prevention.  MCADSV received its initial funding to develop the Intern Resource Project through a personal donation by Missouri’s U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill, who publicly spoke of being sexually harassed in the Missouri Capitol as a student intern and subsequently as an elected legislator. The Women’s Foundation then advanced the project with additional funding through a grant.
 

As students return to college campuses around the state to start their school semesters, the Missouri Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violence (MCADSV), Partners In Prevention, and Women's Foundation are providing a new online tool to keep interns safe.