Top Republican: Accusations aren’t sexual harassment

Allegations leveled against GOP state Sen. Jack Tate last year do not amount to sexual harassment, the Colorado legislature’s top Republican said in a letter that also clears Tate of any employmentlaw violations.

Tate, of Centennial, was accused by a former legislative intern in November of leering at her and making comments about what she was wearing during last year’s legislative session, when she was 18.

An outside investigation, by the Denver-based Employers Council, found that her allegations were based on incidents that more likely happened than not. (The woman has remained anonymous.)

But Senate President Kevin Grantham, R-Cañon City, said in a letter released Thursday that the allegations did not rise to sexual harassment.

“There is no definitive determination the (sexual harassment) policy was violated,” Grantham wrote to Tate.

He added: “It is also important to note that none of the complainants’ accusations constitute a violation of state or federal employment laws. I reach that conclusion after consulting with legal counsel and discussing the Employers Council’s report with their vice president.”

Tate is one of three GOP state senators who have been accused of sexual harassment since the fall. Outside investigations into complaints against Sens. Larry Crowder, of Alamosa, and Randy Baumgardner, of Hot Sulphur Springs, were also substantiated.

Democrats have been seeking to expel Baumgardner from the legislature, but not the two other Republicans who have been accused.

Crowder attended a workplace harassment training session and apologized to his alleged victim — state Rep. Susan Lontine, D-Denver — though he denied her allegations.

“I am grateful that this challenging situation has been concluded,” Tate said in written statement.

Grantham called the complaint and investigation into Tate “a learning experience for all of us.”

“It is noted that you have already participated in the required workplace harassment seminar as well as an additional voluntary seminar with the Senate Majority Caucus,” he wrote to Tate. “Therefore, in light of my review, and the seminars already attended, I have determined that corrective action based on this complaint is unwarranted, and that this investigation is therefore concluded.”

Grantham has faced criticism from Democrats over his handling of sexual harassment allegations against the members of his caucus.

He said in his letter to Tate that “I take complaints of workplace harassment … very seriously.”