(WBBM Newsradio) -- Four lifeguards within the Chicago Park District were fired this week after two investigative reports were made public.
The sexual harassment allegations date back to 2015, which the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault says sends a mixed message to survivors.
“I do think that for survivors who say, ‘wait a minute, it's taken a really long time to do this, that doesn't seem fair’, I hear that and I agree with that,” said Chief Executive Officer Carrie Ward. “But I also have respect for those who say, ‘I'm glad eventually there was some consequence for the people who engaged in this behavior’.”
On Wednesday, Park District Board President Avis LaVelle apologized for the “dysfunctional” handling of the investigation.
While it’s not unusual for investigations into sexual misconduct to take years, Ward tells WBBM part of the problem was the work culture.
Reports released by the Park District show the victims didn’t come forward because they didn’t think anyone would believe them.
“They gave examples of people ridiculing them and making fun of them after they had heard about the incidents that had happened,” said Ward. “So I can totally understand why they wouldn't think that was an opportunity to come forward and make a direct report right away.”
She says it’s a wake up call for other employers to be proactive in their sexual harassment policies and training.
“If they witness what happened with the Chicago Park District or other organizations or businesses that are in this sort of reactionary position, I think there are all kinds of organizations that look at that and say, ‘I don't want that to be us’.”
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