San Bernardino – The following is a statement made by Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes at the meeting of the Assembly Rules Subcommittee on Harassment, Discrimination, and Retaliation Prevention and Response meeting earlier today.
“What we begin today is a vital conversation needed to ensure that we set a standard that others can follow. On a national level, with allegations coming in almost daily about elected officials, celebrities and athletes, what is almost as disturbing as the stories is that the perpetrators often seem dumbfounded that their actions had any negative affect.
The media reports as well as the rumors of inappropriate behavior on the part of members of the Legislature and staff have been stunning. That in 2017 with all of the advances we have made that we still face these issues is disheartening.
These issues are not limited to the halls of government. I hope that if any positive can come out of these stories it is that we can have a larger society-wide dialogue about sexual harassment that I hope will raise awareness and empower both men and women to stand up against these despicable behaviors.
I am confident that this committee, working with the entire Rules Committee and other stakeholders will make drastic improvements as to how this body addresses sexual harassment complaints and related issues.”
Assemblymember Eloise Gómez Reyes represents Assembly District 47 which includes the cities of Fontana, Rialto, Colton, Grand Terrace, San Bernardino and the unincorporated areas of Muscoy and Bloomington.
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Contact: Galen Dobbins, galen.dobbins@asm.ca.gov, (916) 319-2047