National
Democratic Senate head open to releasing harassment details
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MADISON, Wis. — Democratic Wisconsin Senate Leader Jennifer Shilling says she is open to releasing more details about sexual harassment claims made in the Legislature.
Shilling said Wednesday that she’s trying to strike a balance between protecting victims and not shielding perpetrators.
Shilling and Republican leaders who control the Legislature have defended keeping details about complaints filed about lawmakers or legislative employees secret. Shilling says her priority is doing the right thing to empower victims to come forward.
A week ago, Wisconsin Republican Attorney General Brad Schimel said he agrees with legislative leaders that sexual harassment complaints against lawmakers and their staff should be kept secret.
A review of the Senate’s policies is already underway. Shilling says she’s looking at increasing sexual harassment training, standardizing the complaint and punishment process and other moves to create a safe working environment.
Shilling has called for Democratic state Rep. Josh Zepnick, of Milwaukee, to resign after he admitted kissing two women against their wishes.
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