Readers’ views for Sept. 19
Duluth News Tribune
Published Wednesday, September 19, 2007
County Board has duty to lead against harassment
This letter is to express my dismay at the recent situation regarding sexual harassment complaints against two county commissioners (“County will craft code,” Sept. 5).I have worked for ending violence against women since 1978 and have seen the progress our community has made in the past 30 years.
While there still is work to do, domestic violence and sexual assault are no longer acceptable. State and community agencies have adopted policies against sexual harassment and sexual exploitation and have provided training for their staff on these issues. Duluth and the Iron Range have become known as international models on community response to violence against women. People travel from around the world to learn about this work.
Imagine my surprise when I read articles in the newspaper that indicate some of our county commissioners don’t seem to know what sexual harassment is. It is time for our elected officials to adopt and enforce the same sexual harassment policies that most public and private agencies are required to have.
I assume that St. Louis County commissioners are good people with good hearts or they wouldn’t have been elected. I ask that they do the right thing now, accept responsibility, apologize and attend sexual harassment training. There are many experts in our area who can provide the much-needed training on this issue. The County Board should serve as a model of respect and cooperation that others strive to emulate.
I appreciate that some commissioners understand the gravity of this situation and I thank Commissioners Peg Sweeney, Steve O’Neil and Bill Kron for taking a stand against sexual harassment.
Coral McDonnell
Duluth
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