Indy makes moves to address gaps in sexual harassment policy

As part of an effort to reform Indianapolis’s sexual harassment policies after three women accused Mayor Joe Hogsett’s former chief of staff of harassment and grooming, proposals for new rules and an investigation are working their way through the City-County Council.

The Rules and Public Policy Committee approved one proposal that would create a council committee investigation into the actions of that former aide, Thomas Cook. The measure would employ an independent firm to investigate Cook’s conduct and potential policy failures including reporting procedures.

Other amendments to the measure include victim protection and the ability to subpoena witnesses.

Councilor Ali Brown said at a recent meeting the moves are needed to restore trust.

“Not only the employees of the enterprise, present and past, but also the trust of the people of Indianapolis that we in the city council take very seriously the health and safety of everyone inside this building and inside of our county,” Brown said.

The other proposal authorizes a review of current sexual harassment procedures.

Both proposals passed the committee with bi-partisan support. Minority leader Brian Mowery said he hopes the new committee to oversee the independent investigation will be balanced.

“To ensure we have a true checks and balance, and that we have it very, very clear that this is not a political thing, is very nonpartisan, and that we want equal representation from both caucuses to be present at these committee meetings,” Mowery said.

Mayor Hogsett also recently signed an executive order to require sexual harassment training for all city employees. Annual harassment training was previously required for managers and supervisors.

The city has also taken steps to make sure all employees are aware of existing mental health resources.

In a statement, Mayor Hogsett said other changes may be coming.

“I remain committed to working with the City-County Council and leaders of this Administration to make continued changes to our policies and practices that ensure a safe and equitable workplace for all,” Hogsett said.

In a letter to Hogsett, two of the women who accused Cook of harassment recommended a series of policy and culture changes.

The proposals passed by the Rules and Public Policy Committee now head to the full City-County Council.

Contact WFYI City Desk Managing Editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.