City Council Pushing for Harassment Policy After Series of Incidents Tied to Salvatore
Monday, May 06, 2019
The two top leaders of the Providence City Council are pushing for a formal sexual harassment policy.
In October of 2018, leading women across Providence criticized then Providence City Council President David Salvatore for being “abusive,” a “bully,” and failing to support issues important to women.
Councilwoman Sabina Matos had then-called for Salvatore to enter anger management training. “I was disappointed and deeply offended to learn of Council President Salvatore's outbursts and disrespectful verbal assault towards two of my colleagues. The unfortunate irony is that Council President Salvatore berated them for 'not supporting women.' Is this how he supports women?” said Matos at the time.
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLAST“This behavior is unacceptable regardless of the circumstances, even more so when dealing with two Councilwomen. We must have zero tolerance for this type of abusive and bullying behavior demonstrated by Council President Salvatore… he needs to issue a public apology immediately and enroll in anger management and sensitivity training, which would be required of any city employee who engaged in such abhorrent behavior,” said Matos.
On Sunday, Matos told GoLocal that the initiative is imperative but that it is not directly tied to any one incident. She has introduced a resolution to create a new sweeping policy to require training for all employees and Providence elected officials.
“I’ve wanted to do this for just some time now. It's not based on anything in particular,” said Matos. "This has nothing to do with Salvatore...there's no backstory. It's a good thing that we should do. Everyone should know what the rules are, and I think it's good to have a refresher.”
“Because of everything that's been happening nationally, with #metoo - it's a good policy to have,” said Matos.
Salvatore said in a text message to GoLocal on Sunday night that he "voted to support the resolution."
The Providence City Council is not the only governmental office grappling with issues tied to harassment issues. The Rhode Island State House has been under criticism after a series of allegations have been made by female legislators.
The resolution was adopted by the Council, but provides no timeline for adoption or budget for the training.
Pushing for New Policy
“Times are changing, and things that were once the status quo are no more, and we need to train our workforce to recognize what constitutes sexual harassment and the impacts that it has on victims, so we can all work together to create a safe and healthy working environment,” said Matos in announcing the new effort on Thursday.
According to Matos’ announcement of the resolution “sexual harassment is widespread and impacts our community” as reflected in the national estimates that show that:
· 77% of women had experienced verbal sexual harassment.
· 51% had been sexually touched without their consent.
· 41% said they had been sexually harassed online.
· 27% said they had survived a sexual assault.
· 38% of women said they had experienced sexual harassment in the workplace.
Salvatore’s Conflict
The issues bubbled up in October when Lisa Ranglin, President of the Black Business Association, blistered Salvatore for a lack of support for issues that matter to women and minorities. Just a few days later the number of high profile women raising questions about Salvatore had risen to five.
Then, an ugly incident took place after a City Council Committee meeting when Salvatore “screamed” and “intimidated” two female members of the City Council for not agreeing to vote the same way he wanted. Both Councilwomen recapped the incident exclusively to GoLocal.
"After the vote, I get a text from Salvatore -- he said I should be supporting women's issues, and that I'm shameful," said Councilwoman Jo-Ann Ryan. "I said you don't have the facts -- he was spouting off facts that were incorrect for as far as I know."
“After the meeting, I went to the City Council office," said Councilwoman Carmen Castillo. "Salvatore called me in the office and said shame on you, you don't support women. I said it's not like that. This is why we have a [city] lawyer, to advise us when we need review. I know what I'm doing. He was screaming at me. I said listen -- if we're going to pass it I want to be sure."
"I said I'm not your daughter -- I was almost crying," said Castillo. "I left the office, and talked with [Councilman] Correia -- and I see Councilwoman Ryan. Then Salvatore came out and started again out the door, 'Shame, shame, shame.' I feel 'cause I'm Latina and minority -- I don't know how he can say he say he supports women and minorities and he treats me like that."
“Council President Salvatore’s impertinent remarks directed to Councilwoman Castillo and me after the meeting were regrettable. It was a poor display and behavior unbecoming the Office of the Council President. He should know better, and frankly, we deserve better,” said Ryan.
