DE PERE, WI (WTAQ) – A local political science professor weighs in on the sexual assault allegations that have hit Capitol Hill.
St. Norbert College Associate Professor of Political Science Charley Jacobs explains what prompted the recent revelations and condemnation.
“We’ve seen a change in the culture nationwide, both inside and outside of government. I think it’s created more scrutiny on the behavior of individuals that the culture has been willing to exempt, or overlook, or at least make excuses for.”
Jacobs believes this condemnation of sexual assault/misconduct allegations isn’t going anywhere.
“It’s not something that they’re going to be able to sweep under the rug. Both parties are going to have to start to engage it. They’re both going to start using human resource techniques to make sure that staff and elected officials are all behaving properly.”
Two Democratic lawmakers have announced their resignations this week amid allegations from multiple women: Michigan Representative John Conyers and Minnesota Senator Al Franken.
A number of Democratic Senators stated Wednesday that Franken should step down, ahead of his Thursday announcement.
Jacobs feels that was more likely the result of concerns with the treatment in the workplace.
“Will (the Democrats) use it as leverage if (Republican) Roy Moore wins the Senate seat from Alabama? They may, but I’m not sure that’s what’s driving this.”
The professor shares what he thinks will happen if Moore, who has denied sexual misconduct claims from multiple women, is victorious in Tuesday’s special election against Democrat Doug Jones.
“I suspect he will get seated. The common refrain I expect to hear will reflect their belief that the voters of the state of Alabama have spoken.”
Both Conyers and Franken have denied the allegations against them, at least to some extent.
