(PartiallyPolitics.com) – On a recent Friday, an agreement focusing on workplace reforms was finalized between the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the State of New York, following findings by the Biden administration that pointed to a “sexually hostile” work environment created by the state’s former governor, Andrew Cuomo, during his tenure.
This pact, unveiled by the DOJ and the Executive Chamber of New York State, comes in the wake of an investigation into claims of sexual misconduct leveled against Cuomo. The investigation revealed that Cuomo had fostered an environment that was sexually intimidating for at least thirteen female staff members, including those working in the Executive Chamber, from 2013 to 2021. The agreement details how Cuomo engaged in inappropriate behavior such as unsolicited sexual advances, scrutinizing glances, making unwanted sexual remarks, using gender-based nicknames, commenting on the physical appearance of staff, and showing favoritism based on looks.
The document further accuses Cuomo’s top aides and the Executive Chamber of being informed about his behavior and the complaints against him, yet failing to take appropriate action. Instead of safeguarding the employees from harassment, efforts by the Executive Chamber were primarily aimed at shielding Cuomo from additional accusations, with the DOJ noting that those who dared to speak up were met with retaliatory actions.
Following Cuomo’s departure, his successor, Governor Kathy Hochul, implemented several reforms, including the dismissal of staff members implicated in Cuomo’s alleged misconduct. The newly signed agreement builds upon these measures by enhancing the Human Resources Department within the Executive Chamber, among other initiatives.
Cuomo resigned in 2021 after a report by Attorney General Letitia James accused him of sexual harassment and mismanagement of nursing home death data during the COVID-19 crisis. Although Cuomo resigned to avoid becoming a “distraction,” he has consistently denied the accusations, stating, “I never touched anyone inappropriately or made inappropriate sexual advances.”
In a recent development, Cuomo has taken legal action against James, seeking access to the harassment reports filed against him in 2021.
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