Governor Reynolds’ abrupt firing of Iowa Finance Authority Director and personal ally Dave Jamison left Iowans with many questions, particularly in light of how Reynolds’ actions were a significant departure from her previous responses to sexual harassment. Des Moines Register columnist Kathie Obradovich covers many of those critical questions in her most recent column. Excerpts from the column can be found below.
DMR: Unanswered questions shade Gov. Kim Reynolds’ ‘strong message’ on sexual harassment
“Gov. Kim Reynolds said Monday that she hopes her firing of a state agency head after allegations of sexual harassment will send “a really strong message” that such behavior will not be tolerated
It might very well send a strong message – but there are so many unanswered questions that it’s difficult to know for sure.”
—
“She can’t afford to look weak on sexual harassment, especially in this case. Jamison isn’t just an employee, he’s an old friend of the governor’s going back to her time as a county treasurer. She can’t appear to be, as she put it, “selective” in the enforcement of the state’s policy against harassment.
Her track record on the subject up to now has been mixed.
Reynolds at first tried to distance herself from the Senate’s lawsuit. She served in the Senate before becoming lieutenant governor. She argued that the Legislature was a separate branch of government and therefore, all she could do was stress that the state has a zero-tolerance policy toward sexual harassment.
She refused to call for the resignation of Sen. Bill Dix, who approved Anderson’s firing, or any other Senate employee who was involved in the incident.”
—
“Most Iowans will accept that there are some details about this situation that should remain confidential – but not all details.
It’s commendable that Reynolds wants to send a strong message to potential victims that they will be heard and believed. But it’s also important for potential victims and potential harassers both inside and outside state government to understand what sort of conduct is being punished.
It seems like it should be possible for Reynolds to disclose how many accusers are involved without revealing who they are. She could describe the time period the alleged harassment took place and whether it started or continued after Jamison took the state-mandated sexual harassment training course.
Was Jamison accused of making unwelcome advances? Is the claim that he touched someone inappropriately or that he made suggestive comments? Did the accusers ask him to stop and if so, did he persist?
Reynolds said she didn’t engage in any fact-finding. She said Jamison is employed at will and the allegations were credible. But she hasn’t explained what made them credible.
Reynolds wants Iowans to believe she’s showing strong leadership – but she’s asking us to take on faith that she’s only protecting the victims.”