State Capitol Staffers Urged to Fill Out Sexual Harassment Survey

The leaders of the California Assembly and Senate are encouraging legislative staff to complete a "workplace climate survey."

In a memo obtained by KQED, Senate Leader Toni Atkins and Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon say the purpose of the  survey is to gather data about the workplace culture in the Capitol, specifically related to sexual harassment.

"This survey is an important tool in our collective effort to combat sexual harassment in the Legislature," the memo states. Responses are due Friday.

TalentKeepers, a company focusing on employee engagement and retention, will compile the results and send a report and recommendations to the Legislature. The memo seeks to reassure staffers that their individual responses will not be shared with their bosses or the Rules Committees.

The survey is part of a broader effort by the Legislature to crack down on sexual harassment following several scandals.

Sen. Tony Mendozam, D-Artesia, and Assemblymen Matt Dababneh, D-Woodland Hills, and Raul Bocanegra, D-Pacoima, all resigned following accusations against them.

Assemblywoman Cristina Garcia, D-Bell Gardens, is on a voluntary leave of absence while claims against her are investigated.

The Legislature also formed a Joint Subcommittee on Sexual Harassment Prevention and Response to discuss how sexual harassment is handled inside the Capitol.