The Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus Condemns the Hogsett Administration’s Silencing of Sexual Harassment Survivors, Stands Unwaveringly With Survivors
Indianapolis, August 15, 2024 — The Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus (INLDC) is calling for accountability and transparency in light of the ongoing investigations and years of misconduct perpetrated by Thomas Cook, former Chief of Staff to Mayor Joe Hogsett. According to recent reports, including detailed accounts published by Mirror Indy, Cook engaged in a pattern of sexual abuse against multiple subordinate City employees, abuses that Mayor Hogsett was aware of as early as May 2017. Backing the survivors, we call on these systems of power to be transparent and for an immediate policy change.
Despite knowledge of Cook’s predatory behavior, Mayor Hogsett and his administration continued to work with Cook for six years, protecting him and keeping him as a close advisor. During this time, additional abuses occurred. Additionally, the lack of meaningful intervention from any party leaders reveals a breakdown in trust and failure in leadership.
The INLDC strongly believes that leaders in public office have a moral and ethical responsibility to protect their employees and constituents from harm and to be fully transparent when these systems fail. As such, the INLDC calls on the Indiana Democratic Party (IDP) leadership to take a stance against this and condemn this unacceptable behavior. Silence and inaction from party leadership perpetuate harm and undermine the public's trust in our leaders.
This lack of accountability is a complete betrayal to City employees and those this administration was entrusted to protect and serve. The safety and dignity of all city employees must be a top priority. It is clear that the current administration has failed in this fundamental duty, and we cannot stand by while those in power prioritize their interests over the well-being of the people they serve.
Even in the wake of these serious allegations, the Hogsett administration has not implemented the necessary measures to prevent further misconduct. As of today, there is no clear, confidential process for reporting sexual harassment, nor has there been comprehensive sexual harassment training for all city employees—a basic requirement to ensure a safe working environment.
The INLDC backs Caroline Ellert and Lauren Roberts, two former staffers of Hogsett's administration, who have come forward with their experiences. In addition to issuing an apology, we join them in their demands to hold men in positions of power accountable and their demands to release documents from the alleged 2017 investigation and disciplinary action taken against Cook.
In addition, we support Ellert and Roberts’ demand that the City take the following steps in the 2025 Budget for the Consolidated City of Indianapolis–Marion County to reform its sexual harassment policies and reporting procedures:
“Hire third-party experts to conduct a formal independent audit and study to identify the scope of the problem with the City’s sexual harassment policies, reporting procedures, and responses to survivors. This audit and study should include testimony from a variety of City and County employees at all levels. It should also include testimony from independent experts in gender-based violence, sexual harassment, workplace discrimination, and human resources.
Train and educate all City and County employees – not only managers and supervisors – on their rights in the workplace. The City has reported that in 2019, it amended its sexual harassment training for supervisors. Given that in our cases, and in many others, supervisors are the ones harassing subordinates, supervisor training alone is insufficient.
Provide an independent third-party entity for survivors to report to when they are ready to come forward about the sexual harassment or abuse they are experiencing. While the City and mayor are protected by a multitude of lawyers and advisors, survivors often do not have the resources to hire their own legal advocates to protect themselves in the reporting process. An independent reporting system would help ease survivors’ fears of legal retaliation from their employer.
Extend no-cost mental health services to survivors. We are proof that it is possible to survive and even overcome the trauma of sexual harassment and abuse, but costly mental health services have been and will continue to be essential for our healing.”
The INLDC stands with the survivors of these abuses and calls for a thorough investigation into the administration’s handling of these allegations. The INLDC calls on IDP leadership to take a stance against these failures and condemn this unacceptable behavior.
The INLDC remains committed to advocating for justice, equality, and the protection of all citizens. We urge the administration to take immediate corrective actions to prevent further harm and to ensure that Indianapolis remains a city where all individuals are treated with respect and dignity.
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About the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus:
Founded in 2010, the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus was established to address the shifting demographics and to ensure that Latino Hoosiers are actively engaged in the political process. The INLDC is committed to legislative advocacy, civic education, community engagement, and sustainable growth statewide, striving to increase political representation through our Political Action Committee and address issues impacting Latino communities in Indiana.
For more information about the Indiana Latino Democratic Caucus, please visit www.INLatinoDems.com. To get information about upcoming general meetings, please email info@inlatinodems.com to get added to our listserv.
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