Minnesota Sex Offender Program
This week I joined Governor Dayton, Attorney General Lori Swanson, other legislative leaders and officials working on the Minnesota Sex Offender Program.
We met with Federal Judge Donovan Frank to review the constitutionality of the commitment of offenders to the program. Judge Frank has ruled that the program is unconstitutional. Many other court officers in the room also made it clear there was little doubt as to the future of the program as it is currently administered.
Judge Frank gave some remedies as part of our discussion and was hoping for a legislative compromise. I have offered legislation with Sen. Kathy Sheran to address some of the findings Judge Frank had indicated were potential problems ahead of the release of his ruling. The Minnesota Senate had a bipartisan agreement which was not reached in the Minnesota House.
Governor Dayton has indicated his administration plans to appeal the ruling of Judge Frank but wants to start working on some of the issues noted in the ruling. Since we will be unable to vote on any policy or funding until March 2016, it is entirely possible the Governor will need to call a special session at some point to address some of the issues. Whether the ruling is upheld or parts of it are reversed, it appears it will be a very expensive situation for Minnesota.
University of Minnesota
University of Minnesota Athletic Director Norwood Teague resigned abruptly after revelations of sexual assault and sexual harassment.
We've learned the University of Minnesota used an Atlanta-based search firm when hiring Teague. They paid the firm $125,800 to vet the finalists. During the time Teague was being reviewed, he was the subject of a discrimination lawsuit from the women’s basketball coach at Virginia Commonwealth University where he was employed. After Teague accepted the job at the University of Minnesota, the University in Virginia settled the lawsuit for $125,000. The University of Minnesota was reportedly unaware of the complaint in Virginia. An investigation into the hiring practices at the University of Minnesota Athletics Department has been ordered by President Erik Kaler.
Several women have come forward publicly about the assaults. These women should be appreciated by all of us because it does take courage to talk about being degraded, humiliated, and assaulted. In this case they have received a lot of support as they should. This is the tip of the iceberg for harassment and assault people put up with in the workplace every day in our country. During debates on various issues in our legislature we hear so many stories involving sexual harassment and assault while at work. Not only do people worry about people knowing it is happening, they worry about their credibility and their ability to care for their family from the fear of losing their income.
We must always strive to do better by each other.
What’s happening in the community
Last weekend was Pioneer Day in Newport. My family and I enjoyed visiting with everyone at Pioneer Park. (I would say the kids enjoyed the games, bungee strap ride and mini-donuts more than visiting.)
This weekend is Heritage Days in St. Paul Park. There are several events as usual, including fireworks Friday night, parade and street dance on Saturday, and carnival downtown all weekend.
The Cottage Grove Farmers Market is in full swing. You can find it located at the Cottage Grove United Church of Christ in Old Cottage Grove. http://www.cguccfarmersmarket.org