Federal investigators are looking into allegations of discrimination, retaliation and a sexually hostile work environment in the Grand Canyon's river corridor.
A group of 13 former and current Grand Canyon employees sent a letter to the Interior Department in September, alleging abuses of women during the past 15 years and prompting an investigation by the agency's Office of Inspector General.
The agency formally requested the investigation after receiving the letter that also was sent to members of Congress in Arizona, National Park Service spokeswoman April Slayton said. The agency takes "allegations of this nature and all personnel-related matters seriously," she said.
Agents from the Office of Inspector General have been conducting interviews. Spokesman Kris Kolesnik declined comment Monday.
According to the letter obtained by The Associated Press, Grand Canyon employees who conduct the river trips have requested sexual favors from women, retaliated against them when they were rebuffed, engaged in heavy drinking and blamed the victims when they complained.
The letter addressed to Interior Secretary Sally Jewell said that women have been threatened, fired and had their reputations damaged and work sabotaged when they reported abuses to management in the past...
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2 comments:
It is not just the Grand Canyon. Hostility towards several minority groups as well as some in the majority is persistent in some Interior Deparment bureaus. Odd that the Secretary wants people to bring these practices to her attention through the chain of command when it is that structure that is creating the hostility.
Interesting comment. Wish you could share a little more info: Which bureaus are the worst? Is this a recent or a long-time problem? Mostly in the field or in DC?
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