Report: Clinton shielded adviser facing accusations

Hillary Clinton’s former faith outreach adviser has been accused of repeatedly sexually harassing a woman in Ms. Clinton’s 2008 campaign for president, according to a report from The New York Times, which says Ms. Clinton reportedly chose to shield the man instead of firing him as her campaign manager recommended.

Burns Strider, a gregarious Southern Baptist who led Ms. Clinton’s religious outreach efforts, emailed her Bible readings every morning during her 2008 campaign and served as a liaison of sorts to religious groups. Politico in 2014 described Mr. Strider as “a Hillary Clinton favorite.”

The New York Times report states: “The complaint against Mr. Strider was made by a 30-year-old woman who shared an office with him.

“She told a campaign official that Mr. Strider had rubbed her shoulders inappropriately, kissed her on the forehead and sent her a string of suggestive emails, including at least one during the night, according to three former campaign officials familiar with what took place.”

The Times reports that the complaint was taken to Ms. Clinton’s campaign manager at the time, who suggested Mr. Strider be fired, but Ms. Clinton declined.

“Strider was docked several weeks of pay and ordered to undergo counseling, and the young woman was moved to a new job,” the report states.

The woman, who was not named in the report, has not spoken publicly about her experience.

During Ms. Clilnton’s 2016 candidacy, Mr. Strider led an independent group called Correct the Record that supported her, but he was fired after several months for workplace issues, including allegations that he harassed a young female aide, according to the Times’ report.

Mr. Strider did not respond to phone messages from The Washington Post.