Latest news with #Hogsett
Yahoo
3 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
The investigation into Hogsett's handling of harassment claims is over. What the firm found
An independent investigation into Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's response to alleged harassment by his former chief of staff Thomas Cook found that the city didn't break any laws in its response to those complaints, but raised new questions about the end of Cook's tenure as chief of staff back in 2020. Chicago-based law firm Fisher Phillips' investigation found that Cook was allowed to stay on as chief of staff for 68 days following the city's 2020 investigation that found Cook had violated city policy by having another relationship with a subordinate. The law firm said that time period warrants further investigation. The overall finding from the law firm is that Hogsett's administration acted within the law during three investigations conducted in 2017, 2020 and 2023 as the result of Cook's alleged behavior. IndyStar reported last year that three women alleged that Cook sexually harassed them while he was their supervisor, and Cook engaged in another consensual relationship with a subordinate employee. One of the women alleging harassment against Cook also said that he sexually assaulted her. "While complainants 1 and 2 challenge the existence, timing, and integrity of the investigations into their raised complaints, the response by Mayor Hogsett and his administration was legally sufficient and reasonable under the circumstances," according to the law firm's final report. However, the report noted that while the mayor's decision to allow Cook to resign as opposed to face termination was "not inconsistent with the law," the fact that Cook had knowingly violated a prior directive against having relationships with employees "would reasonably cause the City-County's decision to be questioned." In addition, the law firm noted that "Some individuals interviewed during this investigation shared their perception that (Cook) was given an opportunity to use the period from November 2, 2020, through December 30, 2020, to position himself for personal gain by negotiating contracts for his own benefit," according to the report. "We also recommend (the city) identifies action steps the City-County can take to minimize potential for City-County employees to negotiate contracts for personal gain while employed at the City-County or for the 12-months following their departure," according to the firm. Several council members on the investigative committee - including Democratic committee Chair Christa Carlino - said they felt there was a difference between the administration's legal obligations and its ethical ones. "Just because something's perfectly legal, doesn't make it right," Carlino said. She said the council should look further into Cook's departure from the city in 2020. Fisher Phillips also recommended that the city dissolve its current human resources structure in favor of an independent one, as well as appoint an independent inspector-general, in its presentation of a final report at the Indianapolis City-County Council's investigative committee on May 29 after a months-long investigation. Fisher Phillips' attorney Danielle Kays said 12 people were interviewed over the course of the investigation, including Hogsett and two women who said they were harassed by Cook. Kays said the firm reached out to Cook multiple times and received no response. Cook previously apologized for his conduct in a statement to IndyStar last year. He has not been charged with a crime. The meeting was tense and emotionally charged. At one point, Carlino recessed the meeting as Lauren Roberts, Hogsett's former deputy campaign manager, who was on speaker phone, pleaded with Carlino to get a copy of the report, which she had not received even as the law firm presented their findings about her case to the public. "This entire thing has been torture," Roberts said. "I'm sitting here being dissected in public." Carlino said no one from the council or public — besides its general council — had access to the report before it was presented tonight by the law firm. "I know the wait has been excruciating for those survivors," Carlino said. Hogsett said in a statement after the report presentation that "the findings are clear that the earlier investigations and resulting sanctions were handled appropriately and confidentially," though clarified he hadn't had time to read the report in full. "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. The City-County Council launched an investigative committee last year to probe Hogsett's response to the alleged harassment by Cook. IndyStar reported in 2024 that Cook faced sexual harassment and assault claims by three women who worked under Cook over the course of a decade. The sexual harassment allegations in Mayor Hogsett's administration: What you need to know Cook also had a relationship with another subordinate employee while he was serving as chief of staff, which prompted him to be asked to resign from the administration back in 2020. Two of the women have alleged that Hogsett didn't handle the allegations properly. Roberts, for example, has said that Hogsett didn't respond to her when she reached out about Cook's alleged treatment of her during the campaign, and that she was never interviewed as part of any investigation over the conduct. Hogsett previously apologized to women who say they were harmed by Cook, but has also defended his response. This story will be updated. Contact senior government accountability reporter Hayleigh Colombo at hcolombo@ Sign up for our free weekly politics newsletter, Checks & Balances, by IndyStar political and government reporters. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Here's what law firm found on Hogsett's response to sexual harassment
Axios
3 days ago
- Politics
- Axios
Report says city was legally compliant in handling sexual harassment complaints
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.
Indianapolis Star
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indianapolis Star
Investigation on Hogsett's response to harassment is done. Here's what the law firm found
An independent investigation into Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett's response to alleged harassment by his former chief of staff Thomas Cook found that the city didn't break any laws in its response to those complaints, but raised new questions about the end of Cook's tenure as chief of staff back in 2020. Chicago-based law firm Fisher Phillips' investigation found that Cook was allowed to stay on as chief of staff for 68 days following the city's 2020 investigation that found Cook had violated city policy by having another relationship with a subordinate. The law firm said that time period warrants further investigation. The overall finding from the law firm is that Hogsett's administration acted within the law during three investigations conducted in 2017, 2020 and 2023 as the result of Cook's alleged behavior. IndyStar reported last year that three women alleged that Cook sexually harassed them while he was their supervisor, and Cook engaged in another consensual relationship with a subordinate employee. One of the women alleging harassment against Cook also said that he sexually assaulted her. "While complainants 1 and 2 challenge the existence, timing, and integrity of the investigations into their raised complaints, the response by Mayor Hogsett and his administration was legally sufficient and reasonable under the circumstances," according to the law firm's final report. However, the report noted that while the mayor's decision to allow Cook to resign as opposed to face termination was "not inconsistent with the law," the fact that Cook had knowingly violated a prior directive against having relationships with employees "would reasonably cause the City-County's decision to be questioned." In addition, the law firm noted that "Some individuals interviewed during this investigation shared their perception that (Cook) was given an opportunity to use the period from November 2, 2020, through December 30, 2020, to position himself for personal gain by negotiating contracts for his own benefit," according to the report. "We also recommend (the city) identifies action steps the City-County can take to minimize potential for City-County employees to negotiate contracts for personal gain while employed at the City-County or for the 12-months following their departure," according to the firm. Several council members on the investigative committee - including Democratic committee Chair Christa Carlino - said they felt there was a difference between the administration's legal obligations and its ethical ones. "Just because something's perfectly legal, doesn't make it right," Carlino said. She said the council should look further into Cook's departure from the city in 2020. Fisher Phillips also recommended that the city dissolve its current human resources structure in favor of an independent one, as well as appoint an independent inspector-general, in its presentation of a final report at the Indianapolis City-County Council's investigative committee on May 29 after a months-long investigation. Fisher Phillips' attorney Danielle Kays said 12 people were interviewed over the course of the investigation, including Hogsett and two women who said they were harassed by Cook. Kays said the firm reached out to Cook multiple times and received no response. Cook previously apologized for his conduct in a statement to IndyStar last year. He has not been charged with a crime. The meeting was tense and emotionally charged. At one point, Carlino recessed the meeting as Lauren Roberts, Hogsett's former deputy campaign manager, who was on speaker phone, pleaded with Carlino to get a copy of the report, which she had not received even as the law firm presented their findings about her case to the public. "This entire thing has been torture," Roberts said. "I'm sitting here being dissected in public." Carlino said no one from the council or public — besides its general council — had access to the report before it was presented tonight by the law firm. "I know the wait has been excruciating for those survivors," Carlino said. Hogsett said in a statement after the report presentation that "the findings are clear that the earlier investigations and resulting sanctions were handled appropriately and confidentially," though clarified he hadn't had time to read the report in full. "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. The City-County Council launched an investigative committee last year to probe Hogsett's response to the alleged harassment by Cook. IndyStar reported in 2024 that Cook faced sexual harassment and assault claims by three women who worked under Cook over the course of a decade. The sexual harassment allegations in Mayor Hogsett's administration: What you need to know Cook also had a relationship with another subordinate employee while he was serving as chief of staff, which prompted him to be asked to resign from the administration back in 2020. Two of the women have alleged that Hogsett didn't handle the allegations properly. Roberts, for example, has said that Hogsett didn't respond to her when she reached out about Cook's alleged treatment of her during the campaign, and that she was never interviewed as part of any investigation over the conduct. Hogsett previously apologized to women who say they were harmed by Cook, but has also defended his response. This story will be updated.
Indianapolis Star
24-05-2025
- Automotive
- Indianapolis Star
'We are making history': Indianapolis and Le Mans, two auto racing giants, now sister cities
When people think of the racing capitals of the world, it's common for Indianapolis, Indiana, and Le Mans, France, to appear in the same discussion. For more than a century, the two cities have welcomed millions of fans to witness pinnacles of racing with the Indianapolis 500 and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Now these two racing giants are finally acknowledging their shared bond and history with an announcement that they will become sister cities. 'There is something fitting about celebrating our newest Sister City of Le Mans, France, at the same time our city prepares for the 109th running of the Indianapolis 500,' said Mayor Joe Hogsett in a news release on May 24 about the commitment. 'While this new sister city partnership leans into our shared history in the world of racing, I look forward to seeing how the relationship between our two cities will grow in the coming years.' On May 23, 2025, Mayor Hogsett met with the Deputy Mayor of Le Mans, France, Sophie Moisy, for a signing ceremony at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. This will be the 11th sister city with which Indianapolis has officially formed cultural and economic ties. Indianapolis established its first Sister City relationship with Taipei, Taiwan, in 1978. "I am delighted with this partnership between Le Mans and Indianapolis. Our two cities share a common tradition of excellence in motorsport,' said Moisy in a news release. 'Every driver's dream is to win the 500 miles, the 24 hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Grand Prix. We are making history by uniting our cities and our people.' In years prior, Le Mans cultivated relationships with Indianapolis to promote economic development initiatives in its Pay de la Loire Region. The two cities are hoping this sister city partnership will help cultivate cultural and student exchanges.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Hogsett, IPS names members of group shaping the future of the district. Who they picked
Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett and Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Aleesia Johnson have announced the nine members who will help design major changes to how the district will work with charter schools in the future. The announcement was dropped at 4 p.m. on the Friday before the city prepares for the Indianapolis 500 and the Memorial Day holiday. This group, known as the Indianapolis Local Education Alliance (ILEA), was created out of legislation passed this year under House Bill 1515. Hogsett and Johnson were responsible for appointing the group members, along with the IPS school board president. The group could make consequential decisions on how the district uses its buildings and transportation going forward, a topic that has generated intense debate from parents on both sides of the argument on whether the district should expand its collaboration with local charter schools. Hogsett said that the goal of this alliance is to "deepen collaboration across traditional public and public charter schools and support a strong academic experience for all students." 'These accomplished civic leaders are ready to chart a course for the future of education within the IPS boundary,' said Mayor Hogsett. 'I am proud to lead them as we embark on this critical work, and I am confident we will create a plan that ensures a stable, sustainable and collaborative path forward for our schools.' The members of the new alliance include: Mayor Joe Hogsett - Chairperson Dr. Aleesia Johnson - Superintendent, Indianapolis Public Schools Bart Peterson - Former mayor; former CEO of Christel House International; former senior vice president of corporate affairs and communication for Eli Lilly and Company (mayoral appointee) Maggie Lewis - Majority leader of the Indianapolis City-County Council; CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Indianapolis (mayoral appointee) Angela Smith-Jones - Associate vice president for state relations at Indiana University; former deputy mayor of economic development; former general counsel for the Indy Chamber (mayoral appointee) Tobin McClamroch - Managing partner of Dentons Bingham Greenebaum; chair of the Marian University Board of Trustees, (mayoral appointee) Barato Britt - President/CEO of Edna Martin Christian Center (IPS Board President appointee) Tina Ahlgren - Teacher at H.L. Harshman Middle School; Hoosier Educator of the Year, 2024; IPS Teacher of the Year, 2014 (IPS district-managed school parent appointee) Andrew Neal - CEO of Outreach Indiana; former chief operating officer of Brookside Community Development Corporation (IPS innovation school parent appointee) The first meeting of the alliance must be held before July 1, 2025. Information about future meetings will be shared in the coming weeks, according to the press release from Hogsett's office. The group will work to conduct a facility assessment on all the schools within IPS's boundaries, including traditional and charter campuses. It will then make recommendations regarding school facility 'structural changes,' as well as come up with a process for approving or denying future capital referendum requests. It will also create a template for revenue-sharing agreements between IPS and its charter school partners. The ILEA must also create methods on how the district can increase collaboration with governmental entities, community organizations or local nonprofits on how to transform school facilities into 'broader community assets for residents.' The group is meant to create a transportation implementation plan that would consider how to best serve all the district's students, in charter and district-run schools. More on this SB 1515: This group will guide IPS's future. Hogsett asked lawmakers to make its meetings private During the legislature's last remaining hours of session, lawmakers added language to the bill that allows the ILEA to be exempt from Indiana's Open Door Law, a policy which gives members of the public the right to attend meetings of governing bodies or public agencies. The bill's author, Rep. Bill Behning, R-Indianapolis, said that language was included at the request of Mayor Joe Hogsett, and that the group can decide for themselves if it wants the meetings open to the public. The ILEA's final meeting, where the members will vote on a final proposal, is required to be a public meeting. The alliance is required to file its final report and recommendations by Dec. 31, 2025. Contact IndyStar K-12 education reporter Caroline Beck at 317-618-5807 or CBeck@ Follow her on Twitter (X): @CarolineB_Indy. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Hogsett, IPS names members of group shaping the future of the district
