California Senate President Pro Tempore Kevin de León hired two law firms to investigate allegations of sexual harassment and review the Senate’s harassment policies, after more than 140 women signed an open letter calling out a culture of sexual misconduct in California’s capitol.
“As women leaders in politics, in a state that postures itself as a leader in justice and equality, you might assume our experience has been different,” the letter reads. “It has not. Each of us has endured, or witnessed or worked with women who have experienced some form of dehumanizing behavior by men in power in our workplaces.”
State capitols across the country have faced similar scandals, with female legislators in New York, Arizona, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Oregon all coming forward with stories of inappropriate behavior and abuse.
