Probe finds 'offensive behavior' by St. Paul mayor but not sexual harassment
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St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her engaged in “offensive and inappropriate behavior” with city employees, but allegations that she sexually harassed city workers or retaliated against them could not be substantiated, the city’s Human Resources Department has found.
The mayor faced a host of allegations over the summer that prompted an outside investigation. A summary of the investigation’s findings was sent to Her by the city’s HR department on Thursday, and publicly released by Her’s office on Friday.
The full report from the outside investigation has not been released.
The allegations included a former deputy police chief telling investigators that Her made what the officer described as “orgasmic noises” while working out in the police gym.
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The former officer also alleged Her altered photos displayed at police headquarters, including placing her own portrait over the faces of police command staff.
The officer said that Her taped up images of shirtless Ultimate Fighting Championship fighters that had been modified with the faces of St. Paul police officers, including Chief Axel Henry, who filed a formal complaint in the matter.
In a letter to Her on Thursday, Kamaria Kassim, the city’s human resources director, said her department could not substantiate claims of sexual harassment, inappropriate text messages, sexual noises while exercising or retaliation against a city employee.
However, the investigation also concluded Her had “created and shared” offensive material, “engaged in offensive and inappropriate behavior” with city employees and created “an uncomfortable work environment.”
It called on the mayor to maintain professional boundaries, attend a workplace conduct training and hire “an executive coach at your own expense.”
Responding to allegations in July, Her said, “I recognize that some of my attempts at humor fell short of the standard I expect of myself.”
On Friday, the mayor said in a statement that she “became too informal in my communications and crossed lines that are not consistent with the standards set forth in the City’s Workplace Conduct Policy. I apologize for any discomfort I caused,” adding, “I am gratified that the report finds that the allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation were unsubstantiated.”
Her said she would comply with the steps outlined in the letter from HR.
