USAT: Washington Wire audio clip

USAT: Washington Wire

Feb 4, 2022

Six former Washington Commanders employees testified at a Congressional roundtable Thursday, regarding the organization’s toxic workplace environment. - In an idealized world, we would like to think the roundtable was only about the victim’s allegations and the actions of those accused. Unfortunately, moments of political drama illustrated once again that US congressmen should have strictly defined job descriptions. - The Congressional roundtable called by Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) is choosing to look into the workplace culture of the Washington organization, though questions have been raised on what is the proper responsibility of this particular committee. - Rep. James Comer (KY-R) expressed that no one should experience harassment at work and that harassers should be held accountable. “But it’s unclear why examining harassment that took place a decade ago in one private workplace warrants oversight from this committee.” - Democrats responded saying he was “a little bit dismissive” and victimizing the female witnesses again to which Comer responded, “bull crap.” - The NFL had Beth Wilkinson investigate and the result of her oral report to the NFL was that the Washington team was fined $10 million for behavior that was unprofessional, inappropriate, bullying, sexual harassment. - On to the actual testimony, where indeed it was troubling to hear what these women testified to have experienced. - Tiffany Johnston voiced that Daniel Snyder inappropriately touched her leg under a table, and later aggressively pushed her toward his limo with his hand on her lower back. She claimed Snyder’s attorney interjected, “Dan, Dan, this is a bad idea.” - Jason Friedman, an employee for the organization for over 20 years, was said to have written and signed a letter stating he witnessed the events of that night to which Johnston referred. - The allegations this time were also directed at Snyder himself, where previously what has been stated is that Snyder was guilty of being negligent regarding the inappropriate behavior of other men towards women in the workplace. - Emily Applegate claimed she was told to not wear flat shoes because Snyder “liked the way my body looked better in high heels.” She stated her photo was taken without her permission and was then distributed to others by her boss. She was called a sexual slur (not specified) and when she objected, standing up for herself, she was told she was a distraction, excusing grown men for their actions. - When asked why she had not reported these incidents to human resources (HR) she specifically named Snyder as the one who had not only accepted the culture but created it and encouraged the behavior. - Much more transpired but limited space here does not permit further elaboration. - Here is the C-Span coverage to provide you access.  -   -   -   - - - - - - - - - - - - Email - - - - - Sign up - - - - - - - - Like this article? - Sign up for the Washington Wire email newsletter to get our top stories in your inbox every morning - - - - An error has occured - - - Please re-enter your email address. - - - - - - Thanks for signing up! - - - You'll now receive the top Washington Wire stories each day directly in your inbox.

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