Illinois NOW

ADVOCATING FOR WOMEN & GIRLS

Donate
Join NOW
Renew Membership
Menu
  • Home
  • Who We Are
    • Legal and Education Fund
  • Issues
  • Get Involved
  • Legislation
  • News
  • Political Action Committee PAC
  • Events
  • Chapters
  • Join us! Become a member of NOW!
  • Embed Link
Menu

The Humane Society Must Clean Up Its Mess

Posted on 2018-03-28 by admin

Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

The Washington Post is reporting that the Humane Society of the United States is resisting making broader changes in the wake of the resignation of CEO Wayne Pacelle, who’s been accused of sexual harassment by multiple women. After a law firm was hired to investigate the claims, the board of directors shut down the inquiry without taking any action, falsely claiming that the probe found “no credible evidence” of harassment. Two hours after that statement was issued, Pacelle resigned.

Now, donors are asking new CEO Kitty Block to replace the board chair, Eric Bernthal, launch a new investigation into past complaints of harassment, and apologize to the women who felt unsafe at work. These are all good steps, but they should be only the beginning.

The Humane Society has said it will consider another inquiry, and has committed to “a comprehensive culture change initiative” and a “board governance review” to be conducted by outside experts. These are promising words, but they need to be followed by concrete actions.

Here’s a suggestion. Instead of hiring more lawyers and management consultants, why not go to the experts on sexual harassment and workplace culture. There are many groups hard at work today to transform the culture of sexual harassment and assault to one that respects women and values them as equals. If the Humane Society really wants to bring about change for women, they should invite women’s groups who have professional expertise in this area to be part of the transformation.

Contact

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Advocating for Women and Girls

DONATE
Join NOW
Renew Your NOW Membership


Subscribe to stay updated on the latest IL NOW news and events!

Loading

Get Involved

Attend an Event
Become an Illinois NOW Member


Categories

  • Action Alerts
  • Conference
  • Constitutional Equality
  • Core Issues
  • Economic Justice
  • Education
  • Ending Violence Against Women
  • Federal Legislation
  • IL NOW Heroes
  • Legislation
  • NOW National News
  • PAC
  • Racial Justice
  • Reproductive Rights and Justice
  • State Legislation
  • Uncategorized
  • Virtual
  • Voting Rights

Illinois NOW

The purpose of Illinois NOW is to take action to bring women into full participation in the mainstream of American society now.

Learn more about us.

Contact Us

Mailing Address
Illinois NOW
PO Box 474
Springfield, IL 62705

Phone
217-331-2923

E-Mail
nowillinois@gmail.com

Social

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
©2023 Illinois NOW | Theme by SuperbThemes