Photos cause a stir amid Park Service’s sexual misconduct battle

WASHINGTON — As the National Park Service confronts what Interior Secretary Sally Jewell has called a “culture” of sexual harassment, the agency allowed swimsuit models to twerk in photos with iconic park backdrops.

These shoots — used for the first time last year in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue and reprised by National Geographic in May’s issue on Yellowstone National Park — have angered park watchdogs, employees and advocates, who say the images undermine the effort to fight sexual misconduct.

The swimsuit issue did not cause a stir when it went on newsstands last year featuring models in skimpy bikinis posing in Yellowstone, Bryce Canyon and Grand Teton national parks.

But that was before the Interior Department inspector general’s office issued an explosive investigation in January 2016 documenting how multiple female employees at the Grand Canyon were repeatedly propositioned for sex and were targets of unwanted attention by male employees, some their supervisors. Another investigation released in June found similar sexual misconduct at Canaveral National Seashore.

“The (Park Service) is dealing with sexual harassment and discrimination issues which are more difficult to address when seen through the prism of this shoot,” said Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsiblity.

Ruch’s group has filed a Freedom of Information Act request with the Park Service for permits the agency issued to Sports Illustrated, as well as correspondence on the shoots between National Geographic and park officials about the magazine’s use of a photo of model Jessica Gomes posing in front of a spot known as the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. National Parks Traveler first reported the request.

In an interview this week, Yellowstone Superintendent Dan Wenk recalled that Sports Illustrated’s request for permits prompted “a lot of discussion” across the agency “about whether the photos were appropriate” for family-friendly national parks.

But the request was approved. “At the time, we said, this is a respected magazine and there’s nothing unusual here,” Wenk said.

Critics say the photographs are simply not the message the Park Service should be sending.

“(National Park Service) leaders are currently under harsh scrutiny for numerous sexual harassment cases,” said Joan Anzelmo, a retired park superintendent who is active in the Coalition to Protect America’s Parks.

“Allowing this commercial photography shoot which included topless and nearly naked models posing in sexually provocative poses at iconic national park sites underscores that objectifying women seems to be a systemic part of the (Park Service) culture,” she said.