City of St. Paul releases full report from outside investigation of Mayor Kaohly Her
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The city of St. Paul on Thursday released the full report from the outside investigation into misconduct allegations against Mayor Kaohly Her.
The findings in that 73-page report mirror the two-page summary issued by the city nearly two weeks ago: that Her engaged in “offensive and inappropriate behavior” with city workers and created an “uncomfortable work environment” — but that she did not sexually harass or retaliate against anyone.
The report was created by the St. Cloud law firm Resolute Law, after St. Paul police Chief Axel Henry alleged earlier this year that the mayor sexually harassed him — and that city officials retaliated against him after he complained about her conduct.
The version released by the city on Thursday has significant redactions, including some full paragraphs and the names of everyone interviewed by investigators except for the mayor herself.
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When the two-page summary was released by the city’s human resources department, it called on the mayor to maintain professional boundaries, attend a workplace conduct training and hire “an executive coach at your own expense.”
At that time, 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 the city’s human resources department.
In a statement Thursday, the mayor’s office said Her requested the full investigation report from the city, and received the redacted version.
“Because the Chief of Police has brought suit and this matter is in litigation in Ramsey County District Court, the Mayor will not be responding further at this time,” the statement said. “The Mayor will be vigorously defending against the lawsuit claims through the court system.”
Henry filed that lawsuit against Her and the city after the two-page summary was released, adding details to his previous allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation.
In a statement Thursday, Henry’s attorney Chris Madel noted the redactions in the full report released by the city.
“Chief Henry again calls for the release of the entire report, including all emails, text messages, and exhibits. Sunshine is the best disinfectant,” Madel said. He also urged St. Paul City Council members to call for the mayor’s resignation.
The City Council on Wednesday passed a resolution to pay for Her and the city’s defense in the lawsuit, but some council members voiced concerns about a lack of transparency on the investigation.
