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I havent spoken publicly on the case of Rep Hernandez & it hasnt been easy: I've experienced similar types of harassment & abuse, & every fiber of my being wanted to stand publicly w the women who courageously told their stories. 1/9
But I refrained til the investigation was complete. Now that I've had the opportunity to read the report, I feel compelled to make my views clear as the legislature approaches our deliberations on the appropriate response. 2/9
The report was thorough & independent. Re: the experiences of multiple women, it includes the words “controlling & abusive,” “reasonably concerned that her work at the Capitol wld be jeopardized,” “intimidating, hostile, & offensive” & “threatening her professional position.” 3/9
The suggestion that these claims were orchestrated as some sort of political payback is a deflection that is offensive to both the women who had the courage to come forward and the truth. Read the report. 4/9
Rep Hernandez excusing his pattern of behavior by saying “Dating when you are young is hard” & claiming “confusion”/“mixed signals” is offensive. Being pursued mnths after trying to end a relationship to the pnt of hiding in a closet is not confusion, or mixed signals. 5/9
Some cmmntary has focused on the process of the investigation: a legitimate subject of discussion & further deliberation. So too are the issues of race & identity that have been raised, which we must hear, confront, & address. 6/9
But those matters cannot obscure Rep Hernandez’s actions, nor should they be used to characterize him as the victim in this matter. Read the report. 7/9
As legislators, we hold the ultimate responsibility of determining the standard of behavior to ensure the capitol is a place of safety & respect. We shld be held to the highest level of that standard. Focusing on the report, the case of Rep Hernandez is unambiguous. 8/9
Our response reverberates beyond this case. We shld not act thru the lens of partisanship, our relationships or whether this is difficult or uncomfortable. Rep Hernandez shld be held accountable for his actions, & we shld all be held accountable for how we respond to them. 9/9
