There is much speculation Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro is the lead contender to become Kamala Harris’ running mate in the 2024 presidential election.
However, a sexual harassment prevention group issued a warning to the Harris campaign.
The National Women’s Defense League (NWDL) said that Shapiro should have done a better job at preventing sexual harassment in his office.
“Last fall, Shapiro’s office agreed to pay a woman employee $295,000 to settle her complaint that his former chief of staff, Mike Vereb, made inappropriate comments to her. The woman signed a nondisclosure agreement that barred both sides from discussing the case,” Delaware Valley Journal reports.
“Governor Shapiro’s office should have done a better job preventing sexual harassment happening in his own office by former cabinet secretary Mike Vereb, including protecting the survivor who bravely came forward, ensuring that any other potential survivors felt safe in speaking up, and ensuring the harasser didn’t have the opportunity to do further harm after the complaint,” NWDL Director Emma Davidson Tribbs said.
“As the Harris Campaign and the Democratic Party consider their options for Vice Presidential candidates, we urge them to consider the handling of past complaints of sexual harassment inside the Pennsylvania Governor’s office. The American people deserve to know that, if called to a higher office, Governor Shapiro will do more to ensure the safety and dignity of employees, volunteers and constituents in his office,” she added.
As PA Gov. Shapiro remains a top contender for VP Harris’ running-mate, the NWDL is urging VP Harris’ presidential campaign to “consider the handling of past complaints of sexual harassment inside the PA Gov’s office,” the organization wrote in a statement. #HearHerVoice pic.twitter.com/5iZx9lISLw
— NWDL – National Women's Defense League (@NWDefenseLeague) August 1, 2024
Women’s group urges Harris to consider Shapiro handling of sexual harassment complaint against aide @PennCapitalStar @SocialKimLyhttps://t.co/3x10vQa9a7
— NWDL – National Women's Defense League (@NWDefenseLeague) July 31, 2024
From Delaware Valley Journal:
Vereb, a former state representative, had stepped down from his position in the Shapiro administration. But it was discovered the woman made her allegations months before Vereb resigned.
At the time, state Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery) said, “The lack of transparency and accountability surrounding this process is very disturbing, and, unfortunately, the taxpayers are footing the bill. Harassment of any kind in the workplace is never acceptable, and when these incidents occur at the highest levels of state government, the public deserves answers. We are currently reevaluating the handling of this incident, and I believe changes will be needed to ensure that victims are protected, wrongdoers are held responsible, and taxpayers are respected.”
Several bills that were subsequently introduced did not make it into law.
The National Women's Defense League (NWDL) is demanding answers from Governor Josh Shapiro, who has emerged as a top contender for Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, about an alleged sexual harassment coverup. @Newsweek @katherinekfung https://t.co/jbKl1IBkqr
— NWDL – National Women's Defense League (@NWDefenseLeague) July 31, 2024
As potential vice presidential candidates are being considered, NWDL released a statement regarding PA Gov. Shapiro’s handling of sexual harassment in his office.#workplaceharassment #webelievesurvivors #metoo #metoomovement #sexualharassmentawareness #sexualharassment pic.twitter.com/zrTJPU83Ft
— NWDL – National Women's Defense League (@NWDefenseLeague) July 31, 2024
Pennsylvania Capital-Star reports:
Vereb resigned abruptly on Sept. 27 shortly before the Philadelphia Inquirer reported the details of a complaint the woman had filed with the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission in May 2023.
The settlement resolved the PHRC case and required the woman to discontinue a complaint with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. Under terms of the agreement, the governor’s office did not admit liability, and she agreed to waive future employment with the governor’s office, but she would be permitted to work as a lobbyist to the office.
The settlement includes a non-disclosure agreement that bars each side from discussing the terms.
The Capital-Star is not naming the woman because of the nature of the allegations. She told the Capital-Star on Wednesday that she is solely focused on what happens moving forward for other women in Harrisburg, which she notes will need Shapiro’s leadership.
“There is a large package of bills waiting to be discussed and ironed out that have been introduced by both chambers. But this package is quite substantive and hits multiple angles,” she said. “I am most interested in ensuring third independent, unbiased parties are involved in investigations, which is being championed by Senators [Kim] Ward and [Maria] Collett, a true bipartisan effort of women.”
Harris previously announced the first rally with her vice presidential pick will take place Tuesday, August 6th, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Speculation that Shapiro is Harris' running mate increased with reports of the Pennsylvania governor canceling his scheduled fundraising events this weekend.
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