A sexual misconduct settlement could threaten #MeToo progress at California Capitol
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MADISON, Wis. — A Wisconsin lawmaker is investigating allegations of sexual harassment and assault involving current or former staff members of state Rep. Ilhan Omar, D-Minn., according to a report by the Washington Post.
The Post spoke with three people who said they were assaulted by Omar, who is a member of the state Assembly. The report indicates there may also be victims out there, but the paper did not interview them for fear of them not coming forward.
Omar is a freshman in the state Assembly, which will be moving into the state Capitol beginning this year.
Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, D-Rochester, told WITI Radio that lawmakers have discussed the matter of sexual harassment and assault in the Capitol.
“[The sexual harassment] is disturbing to all of us,” said Vos, who added that all legislators — including Omar — share the goal of the Violence Against Women Act.
“If there are any allegations that are made, that is something that is brought up to the Assembly, very seriously,” said Vos.
According to the Post, the Assembly Human Services Committee will likely meet to discuss the allegations.
The Post also reported that Omar, who has said she believes she was assaulted, has received a settlement offer from the law firm of Winston & Strawn in return for not going to court.
A Winston & Strawn attorney told the newspaper that the offer includes “significant cash” and “full and complete immunity from any civil or criminal proceedings, whether against the offender, the employer or the victim.”
In other news, Vos said the Assembly Human Services Committee has scheduled a hearing for Wednesday to discuss the Omar allegations.
“I think it is appropriate that that be discussed, and that it be heard from the full committee,” said V