New York City Board of Elections Rejects Recommendation to Remove Executive Director Over Racially Biased and Sexually Inappropriate Comments
The New York City Board of Elections (BOE) has rejected the recommendation to remove its executive director, Michael Ryan, following an investigation that found he had repeatedly subjected two female staffers to racially biased and sexually inappropriate comments.
BOE Suspends Ryan for Three Weeks
Instead of removing Ryan, the board decided to suspend him for three weeks without pay, require him to take "sensitivity training," and put him on probation for a year. The decision was made by BOE President Rodney Pepe-Souvenir, who previously worked as an associate director for diversity and compliance at the City University of New York (CUNY) and as the executive director for non-discrimination at the Juilliard School.
DOI Commissioner Stands by Recommendation to Remove Ryan
DOI Commissioner Jocelyn Strauber stood by her agency’s recommendation to either remove Ryan or ask him to resign, stating, "DOI took the unusual step of sharing its view that the conduct by the BOE’s executive director was egregious enough to warrant either termination or resignation in lieu of termination. That remains our position."
Citizens Union Condemns BOE’s Decision
Betsy Gotbaum, executive director of the good-government group Citizens Union, condemned the BOE’s decision, stating, "It exposes not only the harassment of employees and creation of a hostile work environment, but also the Board of Elections’ failure to uphold even the most basic standards of accountability and workplace protections."
"Half Your Age Plus Seven"
The "confidential" report detailed Ryan’s interactions with a female Hispanic staffer, including sexually suggestive comments and an attempt to touch her face while standing over her in her office. The staffer also recalled Ryan making ethnically biased comments to another female staffer from India, including asking her "What kind of Indian are you?" and telling her that Indians are "non-confrontational."
Conclusion
The BOE’s decision to suspend Ryan for three weeks without pay and require him to take sensitivity training has been met with criticism from the good-government community. The incident highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the way the BOE handles allegations of misconduct.
FAQs
Q: What was the outcome of the DOI investigation into Michael Ryan’s conduct?
A: The DOI investigation found that Ryan had repeatedly subjected two female staffers to racially biased and sexually inappropriate comments.
Q: What was the BOE’s decision regarding Ryan’s employment?
A: The BOE decided to suspend Ryan for three weeks without pay, require him to take sensitivity training, and put him on probation for a year.
Q: What was DOI’s recommendation regarding Ryan’s employment?
A: DOI recommended that Ryan be removed or asked to resign.
Q: What did Ryan say in response to the findings?
A: Ryan apologized to his family, colleagues, and anyone he may have unintentionally offended, stating that he disputes the allegations and disagrees with the report’s conclusion.
