Report says city was legally compliant in handling sexual harassment complaints

Axios

5 days ago

The city was legally compliant in its handling of sexual harassment allegations against Mayor Joe Hogsett's former top aide, according to the findings of a seven-month investigation released Thursday.
Why it matters: The investigation was tasked with getting to the bottom of reports alleging Hogsett's former chief of staff Thomas Cook sexually harassed multiple female employees and abused his position of power, and recommending policy changes.
Catch up quick: In addition to accusations against Cook, another city administrator was fired over similar allegations, and investigations were launched into at least six other employees, suggesting a more pervasive problem.
In October, the City-County Council hired Atlanta-based law firm Fisher Phillips to conduct an independent investigation into the allegations and the city's handling of them.
What they found: While the 54-page report found no legal wrongdoing, it describes "overly casual and at times professionally inappropriate workplace conduct" displayed by Cook and unnamed others in the administration.
It found that Cook and others used "insulting or profane language and acted in an unprofessional manner in the workplace," and the work atmosphere was "more of a fraternity or sorority" around Cook than a business setting.
Danielle Kays, partner with Fisher Phillips, said the firm interviewed 12 people, including Hogsett and two of the three women who made complaints against Cook.
Cook did not respond to multiple requests for interviews as part of the investigation, according to Kays.
What they're saying: Several council members said they were disappointed by the findings, if not surprised.
"I think morally and ethically we fell way short," Councilor Josh Bain said, contrasting the conclusion that legally, the city was in compliance.
State of play: Two of the women who made complaints against Cook have come forward publicly, Lauren Roberts and Caroline Ellert — neither of whom currently lives in Indianapolis.
During Thursday's presentation to a council committee, Roberts called a member of the audience, who placed her on speakerphone. She said neither she nor Ellert was given the report in advance of Thursday's meeting and begged committee chair Crista Carlino to take her call and answer questions about how and when they would receive it.
"The survivors have paid the highest price here, and you're still causing harm," she said over speakerphone, heard throughout the committee room. "This is not OK."
Carlino said that because the report was a public document, they couldn't provide it to Roberts and Ellert ahead of its public release at the conclusion of the meeting.
Between the lines: Council Republicans have been critical of the lack of transparency during the investigation and its estimated $450,000 cost.
Minority leader Michael-Paul Hart said Thursday that Hogsett should reimburse the council for the cost.
"Whether it's his office or his pocket … that needs to come back to the council office," Hart said.
The other side: "It remains crucial that the city has the best system in place for reporting, investigating, and dealing with harassment of any kind, which is why I will work with the City-County Council on how these recommendations may further strengthen efforts to create a safer, better workplace for everyone throughout the city's operations," Hogsett said in a statement.
What's next: Carlino said the council will spend time digesting the report and then consider what next steps to take.
Recommendations include replacing the city's current HR division with an independent human resources board and updating anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, retaliation and non-fraternization policies.
The report also recommended that the city investigate potential self-dealing during the two months Cook was employed in 2020 after Hogsett requested his resignation.
"Our work is just beginning," Carlino said.