A North Texas lawmaker is asking Gov. Greg Abbott to put a protocol in place at the Texas Capitol when it comes to sexual harassment.
State Rep. Linda Koop, R-Dallas, sent a letter to Abbot, saying that in light of recent allegations it is time for one protocol for everyone working in the capitol.
Part of her letter says, "Recently there have been many disturbing accusation of sexual harassment and misconduct by public officials in Washington D.C.; candidates running for public office and those in powerful positions in the Texas Capitol. These disturbing reports make me concerned for the safety of our Capitol staffers, interns, reporters, lobbyists and all those who work at the Capitol."
Read the letter in its entirety by clicking here.
Currently, if someone wants to report an allegation in the House of Representatives, the person would go to the House Personnel Department or Chairman of the House Administration. One the Senate side, an allegation would be reported to Secretary of the Senate.
"It is interesting, because most people don't know there is a protocol or guidelines. When you ask our young staffers were they informed as to who they might tell about perhaps any sexual harassment, they all say the same thing, 'We wouldn't know. We don't know how we would report that,'" Koop said.
Koop says she has heard from Abbott since sending the letter. NBC 5 reached out to him as well, and a spokesperson for the governor released a statement, saying:
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"Governor Abbott believes in and enforces a zero-tolerance policy when it comes to sexual harassment. No victim should ever fear reprisal or retaliation for rejecting unwanted advances or for filing a sexual harassment complaint.
"As public servants for the people of Texas, the Governor believes that all state employees, especially and including those working in the Capitol, should hold themselves to the highest standards and treat staff and colleagues with the upmost dignity and respect.
"Every employee in the Office of the Governor is required to participate in Equal Employment Opportunity training within 30 days of being hired, and again every year after that. The Governor will work with the legislature on any improvements that provide further protections and deliver the respect everyone deserves and that as a state we should demand."
