The Department of Justice (DOJ) and the State of New York workplace reform agreement The Biden administration found on Friday that former New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo created a “sexually hostile” work environment during his time in office.
The settlement between the Department of Justice and the New York State Chamber of Governors, announced Friday, follows the conclusion of an investigation into sexual harassment allegations against Mr. Cuomo.
According to the agreement, the department found that from 2013 to 2021, Cuomo “subjected at least 13 female employees in New York State, including members of the Executive Chamber, to a sexually hostile work environment.”
Additionally, “Governor Cuomo repeatedly subjected these female employees to unwelcome and non-consensual sexual touching; glares; unwelcome sexual comments; gender-based nicknames; comments about their appearance; and/or Preferential treatment based on appearance.”
The documents also allege that the Legislature and Mr. Cuomo's senior staff were aware of his conduct and the allegations against him, but failed to act accordingly.
“The executive branch's response was not designed to protect employees from sexual harassment, but solely to protect Mr. Cuomo from further accusations,” the Justice Department wrote, adding that victims who spoke out may not be subject to retaliation. claimed to have been taken.
Following Cuomo's resignation, New York Governor Cathy Hochul enacted a series of reforms, including removing officials from the executive branch who were implicated in the former governor's misconduct. The new agreement expands on these by, inter alia, expanding the Human Resources Department of the Executive Chamber.
Cuomo said Attorney General Letitia James (D) released a report accusing sexual harassment and mishandling of nursing home death records during the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, he resigned from his position as governor in 2021. Cuomo said he resigned because he didn't want to cause “chaos,” but he maintains his innocence.
“I want you to know directly from me that I have never inappropriately touched anyone or made inappropriate sexual advances toward anyone,” Cuomo said at the time.
Cuomo filed a lawsuit against James last week over access to harassment reports filed against him in 2021.
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