Governor Andrew Cuomo Accused of Sexual Harassment

Recent accusations of sexual harassment in the workplace against governor Andrew Cuomo by a former aide, Lindsey Boylan, are a reminder of the persistent problem of sexual harassment in the workplace here in Sacramento, California and elsewhere. Lindsey Boylan’s claims against governor Andrew Cuomo are a reminder that even in an era where the #MeToo movement has gained momentum, we still need to work to ensure women enjoy equality in the workforce and an environment free of discrimination and sexual harassment, not only here in Sacramento, California, but everywhere. If you, like Lindsey Boylan, believe you have been sexually harassed by a coworker or superior, like governor Andrew Cuomo, you should consult an attorney and our Sacramento California office is here to help.  

Lindsey Boylan’s sexual harassment complaint against governor Andrew Cuomo demonstrates that sexual harassment can take many forms. Lindsey Boylan has complained that governor Andrew Cuomo commented about her appearance and that Cuomo harassed Boylan about her looks. Unwanted attention  and comments about your physical appearance by a superior or co-worker like governor Andrew Cuomo as described by  Lindsey Boylan denies an employee a workplace free of sexual harassment and discrimination in violation of California and federal law. Sexual harassment includes broad range of conduct beyond what Lindsey Boylan accused governor Andrew Cuomo of doing. Under California law, sexual harassment can take many forms far beyond the conduct  outlined in Lindsey Boylan’s complaint against governor Andrew Cuomo, including, physical  touching, unwanted advances, staring, leering, interfering with an employee’s work or blocking an employee’s movement, all of which impede and employee’s ability to do their job and enjoy a work environment free of discrimination and sexual harassment.  

In the wake of the #MeToo movement, we would hope that women would be benefiting  from a better work environment and that the type of sexual harassment claims made by Lindsey Boylan against governor Andrew Cuomo would become less frequent. California has strong laws to  protect employees from sexual harassment and discrimination in their employment. In California, an employer has an obligation to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace and to investigate and remedy harassment when it occurs. California law requires that employers train their employees in order to prevent the sort of sexual harassment Lindsey Boylan has alleged against governor Andrew Cuomo. Ironically, governor Andrew Cuomo signed legislation in 2018 mandating sexual harassment training in the workplace. 

As we learn from the #MeToo movement, prevention of sexual harassment requires more than  training. The #MeToo movement reminds us that training has to actually change conduct in order to avoid the type sexual harassment complaint Lindsey Boylan has made against governor  Andrew Cuomo. Apparently, the #MeToo movement has not stemmed the sexually charged environment that exists in some state government offices that are charged with passing laws designed to prevent the sort of sexual harassment Lindsey Boylan has alleged against governor Andrew Cuomo from occurring. Governor Andrew Cuomo’s office does not simply face the compliant made by Lindsey Boylan, but another New York state employee has accused former aide to governor Andrew Cuomo, Sam Hoyt, of sexual harassment and assault. Here in California an Orange County Assembly Member, Bill Brough,  was recently accused by a former legislative aide of engaging in sexual harassment and sexual assault including rape. Brough is apparently not the only California legislator that has been accused of sexual harassment in recent years. After the rise of the #MeToo movement, the California Legislature in 2019 had to hire lawyers to investigate  sexual harassment complaints against California State legislators and their office staff. 

We must continue to hold employers accountable to perform their legal duty to prevent, investigate and remedy sexual harassment, so complaints like those asserted by Lindsey Boylan against governor Andrew Cuomo will be less likely to occur. The #MeToo movement brought public attention to the need to address sexual harassment issues here in Sacramento California and elsewhere. Leadership to address the concerns raised by the #MeToo movement needs start at the top with our elected officials. The complaints made by Lindsey Boylan against governor Andrew Cuomo, and other complaints about sexual harassment in state government indicates  the #MeToo Movement still has a long way to go in changing workplace cultures that tolerate sexual harassment.  Nevertheless, with the sexual harassment laws currently in place there is no reason why an employee here in Sacramento California, whether male or female, should put up with sexual harassment in the workplace. 

If you are a victim of sexual harassment, it is important that you contact an attorney as soon as possible, so you can take the proper steps to place your employer on notice of their legal obligations. Lindsey Boylan has complained  that governor Andrew Cuomo’s sexual harassment went on for several years. There is no reason for Lindsey Boylan, or any other employee, to put up with sexual harassment for several years when they can hire and attorney who can assist them in making sure their employer fulfills their legal obligation to prevent and remedy the sexual harassment.