Members of Congress Allegedly Sexually Harassed Night Shift Staff

Members of Congress allegedly sexually harassed night shift custodial staff as they cleaned their offices, according to a recent inspector general’s report on sexual harassment within the Architect of the Capitol.

The IG report, first reported by Roll Call, examines the Architect of the Capitol’s (AOC) response to sexual harassment complaints over the last 10 years. It includes allegations that workers endured sexual harassment by members of Congress and their staff. . .

It found 57 incidents of sexual harassment reported since 2008, 44 percent of which it says were substantiated. The report notes that it is a relatively low number, but the perception remains that harassment is a problem.

The IG said that it found “reluctance to cooperate” with the inquiry from AOC, and cited it as evidence of “cultural resistance and lack of transparency at all levels.” It blasted an “outdated cultural attitude” in some departments, which it said has set a tone of “permissibility.” . . .

The outlet notes that dozens of lawmakers reportedly sleep in their offices rather than rent an apartment, some sleep of mattresses, futons and murphy bed — meaning that night staff can possibly encounter lawmakers in states of undress. (Read more from “Members of Congress Allegedly Sexually Harassed Night Shift Staff” HERE)

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