DFL Feminists Call on Congressman Rick Nolan to Drop His Bid for Lieutenant Governor
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 19th, 2018. The DFL Feminists Board of Directors released the following statement in light of the public allegations of serial sexual harassment and abuse by one of Congressman Rick Nolan's former staffers:
"We are disappointed, yet unsurprised by another series of allegations of sexual harassment committed by a political operative in our state. The accusations against Jim Swiderski--former staffer for Congressman Rick Nolan--are gut-wrenching and all too familiar to many of us. These stories are commonplace in our culture, where women are socialized to protect themselves against men, and where men feel comfortable and safe becoming harassers and predators.
The accusations against Jim Swiderski are upsetting and difficult to read. We applaud the survivors who have chosen to publicly break their silence. We respect their right to anonymity. Through speaking out and sharing our stories with one another, we create space to heal, together.
In reference to Congressman Nolan's actions as described in the stories shared by these survivors, we condemn him. As Feminists, we expect everyone--especially our elected leadership in strong positions of power--to stand in firm and unwavering support of survivors of abuse. And yet, Congressman Nolan chose to protect an alleged serial harrasser from meaningful discipline, and employed him again less than a year following his initial dismissal. Congressman Nolan’s actions no doubt resulted in additional trauma to the survivors of Swiderski’s harassment and abuse.
For these reasons, the DFL Feminists call on Congressman Nolan to drop from his bid for Lieutenant Governor on the Swanson-Nolan ticket. We deserve better from everyone, especially our elected leadership, and most especially as more and more survivors of sexual harassment and assault come forward.
The tipping point has been reached and meaningful change to our toxic culture of silencing victims and protecting abusers can and will end. We all deserve to feel safe. DFL Feminists will continue to promote a standard of zero tolerance of any sexual abuse, and use our power to bring about this change as swiftly as possible.
The DFL Feminists Board of Directors”
Media Contact:
Aldona Martinka, Chair of DFL Feminists
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