Alaska Speaker of the House Bryce Edgmom, D- Dillingham, says that in light of allegations of sexual harassment against Rep. Dean Westlake, D-Kiana, that Westlake should resign.
“This is an extremely difficult decision to make, but it is a necessary decision,” Edgmon said.
Unwanted sexual advancement and other forms of harassment are unacceptable, and hinder the Legislature’s work, he said.
Edgmon’s comments came a day after Westlake released a statement saying he could not discuss the allegations made against him because they are a confidential personnel matter. One woman reported her concerns about unwelcomed physical contact with Westlake in a letter sent to House leaders back in March.
Westlake did say that he sincerely apologized “if an encounter with me has made anyone uncomfortable. That has certainly never been my intent.”
Westlake said that he welcomed “both the review and update to the Legislature’s sexual harassment policies, as well as new training for members and staff.”
“Our priority is to ensure a safe and respectful work environment where no one feels threatened. We strongly encourage anyone who has been subjected to sexual harassment, assault, or aggravation in or related to their place of work to come forward,” Edgmon said. “We want them to feel confident that their personnel matters will remain confidential and private, and that the Legislature will listen and follow through.”
A committee of six members of the House and Senate has been appointed to a special subcommittee to review the Legislature’s harassment policies and make recommendations to the joint Alaska Legislative Council before the start of the second session of the 30th Alaska Legislature in January.
Along with a new policy on sexual and other forms of harassment, the Legislature is imposing required sexual harassment training for all lawmakers and staff. The mandatory training will be done by trainers with the Alaska Human Rights Commission during the first week of the legislative session that begins on Jan. 16.
