Blunt Apparently Doesn't Take Sexual Harassment Seriously

Despite a Highway Patrol investigation and report that some believe concluded that Department of Agriculture Director Fred Ferrell had engaged in conduct that created a hostile workplace environment for female employees, Governor Matt Blunt allowed him to return from his administrative leave after simply issuing a non-apology apology.

That statement by Ferrell was posted on the Department of Agriculture website.  It has now been removed from the state website.

However, thanks to the wonders of Google, you can still read it here.

Governor Matt Blunt and Fred Ferrell may not have sufficient character to still be ashamed of his behavior, but they should know that we are still ashamed of them for their behavior.

The Missouri press corps has made no effort to obtain the results of the investigation by the Highway Patrol.  Governor Blunt has gone to great lengths to conceal the findings of that investigation.  He even prevented the Patrol from retaining a copy for their files.

If the findings of the Patrol's report exonerated Ferrell, you can bet Blunt would have released a copy.  After all, he could have redacted the names of individuals to protect their privacy.

Instead, Blunt's behavior leaves little doubt that he is covering for Ferrell.  Meanwhile, the women of state government continue to suffer because Governor Blunt doesn't take sexual harassment seriously.