The Valparaiso Democratic Committee read with grave concern the October 14, 2024 Post-Tribune story about sexual harassment at the Porter County Multi-Enforcement Group
(“Valparaiso cop: ‘It was too much’: Officer says she left Indiana task force because of on-the-job sexual harassment,” p. A1).
The documented incidents are unacceptable at any institution, but particularly so at public institutions entrusted with the public welfare. As with the wage discrimination lawsuit against the city of Valparaiso, this story shows that local government entities have a long way to go to achieve gender equality and moves in that direction mostly when forced to as a result of legal action. This is not acceptable.
In the 21st century it’s reasonable to expect a work environment that’s free from sexual harassment. It’s reasonable to expect equal pay for equal work. It’s reasonable to expect our local government entities to bring themselves into the 21st century, now that we’re nearly a quarter of the way through it.
The VDC is encouraged to see evidence that Sheriff Jeff Balon takes the issue seriously and has taken measures to improve the training and culture of the agencies involved, in addition to the disciplinary action taken against offending members of the task force. The VDC calls on Valparaiso city and Porter County governments to be more proactive about achieving gender equality in local government, including an end to sexual harassment and greater gender pay equity.
This letter was submitted by Valparaiso Democratic Committee, which includes Chair Andrew Mullen, Vice Chair Becky Laughner, Secretary Scott Sederstrom, and Treasurer Erin Stojic.
