Statement by N.O.W. President Patricia Ireland on Kathleen Willey's testimony

Off Our Backs, Apr 1998 by Dominish, Meg

MARCH 16, 1998

Kathleen Willey's sworn testimony moves the question from whether the president is a "womanizer" to whether he is a sexual predator. Ms. Willey's deposition is particularly compelling because she is a reluctant witness with no apparent political or financial motivation. If her story is true, it is not just sexual harassment, it's sexual assault.

If the chief executive of the United States uses that position of power in the way that's been alleged, it has a very serious impact on women in the workplace. His behavior either sets an example of compliance with nondiscrimination law or contempt for it. Clinton's actions in office are not a private matter but a highly public one.

We hope that the public spotlight on sexual harassment will not only affect workplace policies but also public opinion. Employers must make sure their employees know that sexual harassment is not acceptable and that employees who are harassed are able to get a fair hearing and a just resolution of their claims. And, all of us must reexamine the culture that says harassment is flattering behavior and "boys will be boys."