Chicago City Wire

Sexual harassment has been a well-kept secret in the capital for a long time, the founder of a Chicago-based political fundraising organization told a House committee on Tuesday.

“Many have watched this abuse happen and said and or did nothing,” Katelynd Duncan of KJD Strategies said. Duncan has been involved in Illinois politics for a decade. 

Duncan spoke after Denise Rotheimer, who has accused Majority Caucus Whip Sen. Ira Silverstein (D-Chicago) of sexually harassing her. Duncan thanked House Speaker Michael Madigan (D-Chicago) for introducing Senate Bill 402 to the House. The legislation would require that Capitol lawmakers, staff members and lobbyists undergo sexual harassment training every year.

The measure also carries a $5,000 fine for a single violation.  

“Me and my friends, many of who are with me here today, decided to speak out about an issue that has impacted each one of us over a course of our career: sexual harassment,” Duncan said. “We have published an open letter to share our experiences with this issue — experiences that are shared with a thousand or more women who have worked in Illinois politics over the decades.

Duncan said they have gathered approximately 300 signatures in a show of solidarity over sexual harassment in Illinois politics.

“Since that time, we have been absolutely floored by the outpouring of "me, too" stories from the other women who worked in government and on campaigns,” Duncan said. "It is their bravery that brought us together here today to discuss ways to ensure women work in a safe and secure environment free from every form of unwanted advances."

Duncan also disclosed her own personal experience.

“When a legislator was harassing me on a campaign, I tried to report it to management, and I was fired immediately for describing his behavior as inappropriate and asking him to stop,” Duncan said. “These are extreme examples of the type of environment we have been forced to work in, smile through and negotiate in simply to do our jobs.”

Duncan asked how those attending the meeting would feel if it were their sisters or mothers being harassed.

“Can you imagine someone treating them like this just once, or how about multiple times?" Duncan said. "Would we accept it as status quo? We have to do better for the next generation of women in this industry, because it is not a new topic.

“Women have been giving each other the talk about which lobbyists and legislators to avoid."

Though she expressed her appreciation of SB402, Duncan said the bill does not solve the problem.

“In our business, it is contingent to be at the table with powerbrokers, not running away from them in the halls of the Capitol,” Duncan said. “We recognize we cannot undo generations of sexism-power dynamics, norms and attitudes about sex and women in one week, one letter or in one piece of legislation.”