Hogsett Releases Statement Following Friday's Council Meeting

Hogsett Releases Statement Following Friday’s Council Meeting

Source: Ryan Hedrick / Ryan Hedrick

INDIANAPOLIS — By now, you may be aware that Indy Mayor Joe Hogsett has been receiving criticism following reports that one of his former employees sexually harassed multiple women.

The IndyStar first published information last month about Thomas Cook, who once served as the Chief Deputy Mayor and worked on Hogsett campaigns.

Multiple women said that Cook had used his former positions to “groom,” sexually harass, and assault them. Apparently, some allegations against Cook were investigated by the City.

Hogsett’s administration claimed that he had been “reprimanded,” but many Hoosiers felt the mayor did not do nearly enough to protect employees and take action.

Source: Garrett Berquist/WISH-TV / other

Earlier this month, Hogsett addressed Cook’s accusers during a City-County Council meeting. He said, “I want to tell you…how sorry I am for the harm that has occurred.”

He later signed an executive order, mandating that all city employees complete annual prevention training. Prior to this order, only supervisors had been required to take the training every two years.

But, this training schedule change may not be the only update that those in city leadership notice in the coming weeks.

In a statement Friday, the mayor said, “A national law firm without local ties is being hired to review and make recommendations on our Employee Handbook. And soon…an anonymous reporting system will be made available to all employees.”

He noted that he is “committed” to helping “ensure a safe and equitable workplace for all.” Continue reading for his full statement.

Mayor Joe Hogsett delivers the state of the city speech

Source: PHOTO: City of Indianapolis

Full Mayor Joe Hogsett Statement – 8.23.24:

Eleven days ago, I delivered my Budget Address to the City-County Council and laid out immediate steps the City would be taking to create a safer workplace for everyone, and we have worked swiftly to make these changes a reality. Human Resources sent out this year’s mandatory sexual harassment training on 8/15, which I completed the next morning, and on 8/19 I signed an executive order to make this training mandatory on an annual basis for all City employees, not just supervisors. On 8/16, the City began an internal education campaign to ensure all employees know how to access the free counseling and support available through our Employee Assistance Program. A national law firm without local ties is being hired to review and make recommendations on our Employee Handbook. And soon, following demos that began this week, an anonymous reporting system will be made available to all employees.

As the Mayor of Indianapolis, it is of critical importance to me that, in addition to ensuring there are appropriate sexual harassment and fraternization policies in place, every person who serves our community in the City-County enterprise understands they can report inappropriate behavior of any kind without fear of retribution, and that all investigations will be conducted in a confidential manner. I remain committed to working with the City-County Council and leaders of this Administration to make continued changes to our policies and practices that ensure a safe and equitable workplace for all.