SENATOR KEVIN DE LEON PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE October 23, 2017 Honorable Members of the Senate: In recent days, a remarkable number of women, respected members of our Capitol community, have courageously stepped forward describing a pervasive culture of sexual harassment. For servants of the public trust, this is an important moment that requires both reflection and action. | therefore write to detail the steps we are taking to ensure that the Senate's zero tolerance policy is being enforced—and to acknowledge that more needs to be done to ensure women always feel safe, respected and protected in their workplace, especially when that workplace is the people's house. First, the Senate has hired an independent firm to investigate the alarming allegations of sexual assault and violence that have been reported in the media. This firm will request interviews with all relevant Senate staff and identify any actionable steps to properly address any and all allegations raised in the course of this. investigation, Second, the Senate has retained an additional independent consulting firm to review our existing policies and practices, and provide recommendations an how we can prevent sexual harassment in our workplace and improve our response when violations of the Senate’s code of conduct are reported. We are also asking this firm to interview legislative staff, lobbyists and other members of the Capitol community, and provide counsel on how we can support a stronger culture of reporting and deter future violations of our zero tolerance policy. Third, we will be strengthening our leadership training to include curriculum on how to ensure that the Capitol is a respectful working environment. We all share the responsibility to strive for and force the cultural change that is needed to ensure our workplace is free of sexual harassment. Finally, | am contacting the Institute of Governmental Advocates (GA) to remind lobbyists that they can submit complaints against either staff or members of the Senate under our existing policies and procedures, and those complaints will be treated equally as all other internal complaints. It is important that our zero tolerance policy not only protect Senate employees, but also the public and advocates who share and interact in our workplace. Unfortunately, it has not been widely understood that members of the lobbying corps can file complaints with the Senate Ethics Committee and we must educate and raise awareness in the broader Capitol community regarding their rights. | appreciate your attention to this extremely important issue. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me directly. singesply, keZank iN OE LEON President pro Tempore