LITTLE ROCK, AR — Claims of sexual harassment by an elected official in Maumelle have sparked the mayor to call for his resignation, and a federal investigation has been launched.
At least two women have come forward saying they were inappropriately touched and subjected to rude and offensive comments by Maumelle City Clerk/Treasurer Joshua Clausen.
“It’s a very concerning issue,” said Maumelle alderman Preston Lewis.
Lewis said he wants the people of Maumelle to know the city is taking accusations against Clausen very seriously.
“This is not our community,” he said. “This is not the type of reputation we want to send.”
After getting complaints of sexual harassment from at least two female employees, the city conducted an investigation.
A January 29th memo from Mayor Michael Watson to one of the alleged victims obtained by FOX16 speaks of a “fact finding mission” where the city “interviewed multiple individuals.”
The mayor says he found the clerks behavior “inappropriate for the workplace” and asked him to resign.
But Clausen refused to step down. The mayor, in turn, ordered the wood door to Clausen’s office replaced with a glass panel, and he was counseled on workplace behavior.
All employees will undergo sexual harassment training.
During a city council meeting last week, officials were told of two complaints about the clerk made to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission .
In a Monday email, an attorney representing the alleged victims said:
“…Both my clients contend they were subjected to repeated rude, offensive, inappropriate comments and touching of a sexual nature. My clients were told that the city’s ability to take corrective action is limited because the alleged harasser is an elected official.”
When we explained the circumstances to people who live and work in Maumelle, they were not satisfied with the outcome thus far.
“Trainings do help but there should be consequences,” said Ali Javed. “If it’s proven that he’s guilty I think he should resign on his own or be fired.”
According to state law, the only way Clausen could be removed from office without another election would be if he were convicted of a felony.
Clausen declined an on-camera interview Monday, instead issuing the below statement:
“I am aware that claims of discrimination have been filed with the equal opportunity employment commission. Those claims are taken very seriously and are being handled by our legal representation with the Arkansas Municipal League.
The city and I are committed to providing a harassment free work environment. I look forward to addressing the claims through the appropriate channels and in the appropriate forum.”
At least two women have come forward saying they were inappropriately touched and subjected to rude and offensive comments by Maumelle City Clerk/Treasurer Joshua Clausen.
“It’s a very concerning issue,” said Maumelle alderman Preston Lewis.
Lewis said he wants the people of Maumelle to know the city is taking accusations against Clausen very seriously.
“This is not our community,” he said. “This is not the type of reputation we want to send.”
After getting complaints of sexual harassment from at least two female employees, the city conducted an investigation.
A January 29th memo from Mayor Michael Watson to one of the alleged victims obtained by FOX16 speaks of a “fact finding mission” where the city “interviewed multiple individuals.”
The mayor says he found the clerks behavior “inappropriate for the workplace” and asked him to resign.
But Clausen refused to step down. The mayor, in turn, ordered the wood door to Clausen’s office replaced with a glass panel, and he was counseled on workplace behavior.
All employees will undergo sexual harassment training.
During a city council meeting last week, officials were told of two complaints about the clerk made to the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission .
In a Monday email, an attorney representing the alleged victims said:
“…Both my clients contend they were subjected to repeated rude, offensive, inappropriate comments and touching of a sexual nature. My clients were told that the city’s ability to take corrective action is limited because the alleged harasser is an elected official.”
When we explained the circumstances to people who live and work in Maumelle, they were not satisfied with the outcome thus far.
“Trainings do help but there should be consequences,” said Ali Javed. “If it’s proven that he’s guilty I think he should resign on his own or be fired.”
According to state law, the only way Clausen could be removed from office without another election would be if he were convicted of a felony.
Clausen declined an on-camera interview Monday, instead issuing the below statement:
“I am aware that claims of discrimination have been filed with the equal opportunity employment commission. Those claims are taken very seriously and are being handled by our legal representation with the Arkansas Municipal League.
The city and I are committed to providing a harassment free work environment. I look forward to addressing the claims through the appropriate channels and in the appropriate forum.”