IDP Statement on State Senate Minority Leadership Vote

“The Indiana Democratic Party strongly condemns all forms of sexual harassment, including what was reported today, and urges lawmakers in both parties to take decisive action to prevent misconduct by people in positions of power. 

“Harassment in any form is simply unacceptable. Anyone who is a victim or witness to any kind of workplace harassment should report the behavior pursuant to their employer’s internal procedures, alert law enforcement, or contact the relevant state and local agencies, depending on the situation. Victims and witnesses need the ability to independently report harassment without fear of retaliation, especially in public service roles. 

“We have been asked how leaders are selected at the Statehouse. Each legislative caucus independently chooses its leadership – not the state parties.

“The Indiana Democratic Party is a distinct and separate employer and our staff is unionized under a collective bargaining agreement. Employees of the party undergo sexual harassment training and are supplied with an employee handbook with the party’s anti-workplace harassment policies and procedures, including spelling out a detailed, independent reporting process to ensure no individual feels intimidated by having their voice heard and can freely share their experience without fear of retaliation. 

“All workplaces should be free of harassment in our state, and our party will do more to make sure people working in politics in our state feel safe, respected, and heard.”