CHICAGO — An anti-harassment panel formed in the wake of sexual harassment allegations in Springfield released a report Wednesday with a series of recommendations.
From training to thorough investigations and prioritizing diversity, the panel of democratic women called the recommendations in the report a blueprint to change the culture in state politics.
Last October, political fundraiser Katelynd Duncan was one of six women who penned an open letter detailing widespread sexual harassment.
“It really crushes your spirit,” said Duncan. “It made me feel like I wasn’t taken seriously or respected for the work I was doing.”
Within days, scores of people signed on to the letter sending shockwaves throughout the state. Duncan raised money for the Illinois Anti-Harassment, Equality and Access Panel (AHEA) which formed earlier this year.
Panel members Comptroller Susana Mendoza, State Rep. Carol Ammons and State Sen. Melinda Bush toured the state listening to women tell their stories.
The panel’s report does not propose legislative changes, but has a series of…
