An outside investigation into the conduct of St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her is complete after allegations of sexual harassment. It found inappropriate and offensive behavior, but was unable to substantiate claims she harassed city employees.
The investigation stems from complaints filed against Mayor Her earlier this year by St. Paul Police Chief Axel Henry.
Chief Henry was reportedly notified Thursday that the investigation was finished, and Friday morning a letter from the city's Human Resources Department was shared publicly.
That letter, shared below, substantiated some of the claims while saying others remain unsubstantiated. It also lays out a path forward for Mayor Her after saying her conduct does not meet city standards.
In a statement provided to WCCO Radio, Henry's attorney Chris Madel said that it's his understanding that only a summary of the investigation would be released. There are no details about the harassment claims in the city's letter to Mayor Her.
"They need to publish the full report so everyone can see," Madel added.
According to the letter to Mayor Her:
The investigation substantiated the following allegations that are inconsistent with City Workplace Conduct Policy:
- You engaged in offensive and inappropriate behavior with City employees.
- You created and shared offensive material.
- You created an uncomfortable work environment for City employees.
The investigation did not substantiate the following allegations:
- You engaged in sexual harassment of any City employee.
- You sent inappropriate text messages to City employees, other than with two employees.
- You made sexual noises while exercising at a City facility.
- You retaliated against any City employee.
Madel claimed that if the report exonerated Mayor Her, the findings would've been immediately released and "sunshine is the best disinfectant." He also threw in that this is "pathetic."
The city did lay out action steps for Mayor Her they say are consistent with the City's Workplace Conduct policy:
- Comply with all applicable City-wide policies and workplace expectations.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment in workplace interactions.
- Attend training on workplace conduct.
- Retain an executive coach at your own expense.
- Your compliance with these action steps will be followed up by the Human Resource Director monthly for the next six months.
The St. Paul Police Department said that they had no comment at this time.
WCCO did receive a statement from Mayor Her's office Friday morning:
"I take my responsibilities as Mayor and as a community leader seriously. That is why I cooperated fully with the independent investigation conducted for the City of St. Paul regarding the allegations against me. I did not respond to these allegations publicly because I respected the process initiated by the City. I was, however, I am deeply disappointed that during the course of a confidential HR investigation allegations and information were shared with the media. Those actions caused real harm to my family and the public trust.
"Now that the investigation is complete, I have received a summary of the findings, and I intend to comply with all of the recommended action steps. I am gratified that the report finds that the allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation were unsubstantiated.
"Over the first months of my administration, I faced real challenges. I have always worked to be approachable as a leader and build strong working relationships, and I attempt to connect with people to build camaraderie.
"As reflected in the summary of investigative findings, at times, I became too informal in my communications and crossed lines that are not consistent with the standards set forth in the City’s Workplace Conduct Policy. I apologize for any discomfort I caused.
"I am committed to learning from this experience and leading with greater clarity, respect, and awareness. I look forward to continuing to advance our critical efforts to make the City of St. Paul work for all our residents."
