The Department of Justice (DOJ) has concluded its investigation into former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, finding that he sexually harassed 13 women during his tenure from 2013 to 2021. This finding corroborates the allegations made against Cuomo, which led to his resignation in August 2021 amidst mounting pressure and public outcry.
According to the DOJ, Cuomo's actions and those of his senior staff violated federal Title VII rules against discrimination and retaliation, creating a hostile work environment for female employees. The investigation revealed that Cuomo "repeatedly subjected" these women to unwelcome sexual advances, comments, and preferential treatment based on their physical appearances.
Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the DOJ's civil rights division highlighted the gravity of the situation, stating, "The conduct in the Executive Chamber under the former governor, the state's most powerful elected official, was especially egregious because of the stark power differential involved and the victims' lack of avenues to report and redress harassment."
In response to the DOJ's findings, Cuomo's successor, Governor Kathy Hochul, has agreed to a settlement that includes expanding the office's human resources department, creating new policies for reporting harassment, and developing training programs to prevent retaliation. Hochul has emphasized her commitment to rooting out the culture of harassment and implementing strong policies to ensure a safe workplace for all employees.
Cuomo, however, continues to deny the allegations of sexual harassment. His attorney, Rita Glavin, criticized the DOJ's investigation as relying on a "deeply flawed, inaccurate, biased, and misleading report" by New York Attorney General Letitia James. Despite these denials, the DOJ's investigation aligns with James' report, which found Cuomo had sexually harassed multiple women, leading to his resignation.
The legal settlement between the DOJ and Hochul's administration aims to prevent future instances of sexual harassment and retaliation within the Executive Chamber. It includes measures such as establishing a new process for complaints against senior officials and building an anti-retaliation monitoring policy.
Attorneys representing Cuomo's accusers have welcomed the DOJ's findings and the subsequent settlement. Mariann Wang, representing two of Cuomo's accusers, expressed hope that the measures would prevent similar abuses of power. Debra Katz, attorney for Charlotte Bennett, one of the first women to accuse Cuomo, stated, "We are hopeful that this settlement with the DOJ will lead to lasting change that prevents any other woman from having to endure what our client has endured."
As the fallout from Cuomo's actions continues to reverberate, the DOJ's findings and the subsequent settlement represent a significant step towards addressing and preventing sexual harassment and retaliation in government workplaces. The measures put in place by Hochul's administration, in response to the DOJ's findings, aim to ensure a safer and more equitable environment for all state employees.
