Third councilor considering calling for Hogsett resignation
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Laurent Roberts (left) was removed from the City-County Council meeting by sheriff's deputies (right). Photos: Arika Herron/Axios
"I am not done."
Those were Lauren Roberts' words before she was forcibly removed from Monday night's City-County Council meeting after refusing to adhere to the council's two-minute rule for public comment.
Why it matters: The treatment of Roberts, one of two women who publicly accused Mayor Joe Hogsett's former chief of staff Thomas Cook of sexual harassment, and refusal to let her be fully heard is perpetuating criticism that city leaders are more interested in moving on than making actual change.
Catch up quick: Results of an investigation into reports alleging Cook sexually harassed multiple female employees and abused his position of power were released late last month.
- While the 54-page report found no legal wrongdoing, it describes "overly casual and at times professionally inappropriate workplace conduct" displayed by Cook and unidentified others in the administration.
- Two councilors have called for Hogsett's resignation over his handling of the situation.
- Hogsett said he would work with the Council to implement policy changes recommended in the final report to strengthen protections for employees.
The latest: A third, Councilor Crista Carlino, said she is "deeply considering" calling for Hogsett's resignation after the IndyStar reported on late-night text messages Hogsett sent Roberts and Caroline Ellert, the other former employee at the center of the Cook investigation.
Driving the news: The Council passed a $27 million spending plan at Monday night's meeting, which included a $300,000 appropriation for that investigation (on top of an earlier $150,000).
Friction point: When Roberts got up to speak during the public comment portion of Monday's meeting, which restricts speakers to two minutes each, she told councilors, "You're welcome to have me hauled out by sheriffs, but I'm going to take my time."
That's ultimately what they did.
- At the two-minute mark, Council President Vop Osili told Roberts that her time was up.
- Roberts continued talking and sheriff's deputies began approaching.
- Several of her friends and supporters surrounded her, at which point deputies tussled with the group while attempting to remove several people, including Roberts.
Between the lines: Roberts did not go quietly.
- She repeatedly shouted at deputies not to touch her and attempted to stay in the council room.
What she's saying: "This is horrific and so shameful," Roberts said, speaking to reporters outside the City-County Building after she was removed.
- She said Hogsett and council leaders have "always been less interested in getting to the truth and holding abusers accountable" than protecting their own power.
The other side: "You will see by our actions that we take this very seriously," Osili said after the meeting.
- The Democratic caucus said in a statement it plans to introduce proposals to create an independent human resources board and update anti-harassment, anti-discrimination, retaliation and non-fraternization policies and reporting systems.
What's next: After Roberts was removed, councilors proposed a later committee meeting to allow additional public comment.