HR investigation finds St. Paul mayor violated workplace conduct policy, but not sexual harassment

An investigation into allegations of workplace misconduct found that Mayor Kaohly Her engaged in offensive and inappropriate behavior with city employees but did not substantiate allegations of sexual harassment or retaliation. Photo: Kaohly Her

An investigation into allegations of sexual harassment and other workplace misconduct by St. Paul Mayor Kaohly Her found that she engaged in offensive and inappropriate behavior toward city employees, created and shared offensive material and contributed to an uncomfortable work environment, according to a summary released by the city.

The investigation, completed Sept. 14, did not substantiate allegations that Her sexually harassed a city employee or retaliated against an employee, according to a Sept. 17 letter from City Human Resources Director Kamaria Kassim.

The city said the substantiated conduct was inconsistent with its Workplace Conduct Policy and directed Her to comply with city policies and workplace expectations, maintain appropriate professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment in workplace interactions, attend workplace-conduct training and retain an executive coach at her own expense.

Her said in a statement that she cooperated fully with the independent investigation and intends to comply with the recommended action steps.

“I am gratified that the report finds that the allegations of sexual harassment and retaliation were unsubstantiated,” Her said.

Her also acknowledged that some of her workplace communications became too informal.

“As reflected in the summary of investigative findings, at times, I became too informal in my communications and crossed lines that are not consistent with the standards set forth in the City's Workplace Conduct Policy,” she said. “I apologize for any discomfort I caused.”

Her said she was disappointed that allegations and information from what she described as a confidential HR investigation were shared with the media, saying those disclosures caused harm to her family and public trust.

The city became aware of the allegations March 30, according to Kassim's letter. The investigation was subsequently conducted and concluded Sept. 14. The HR letter also directs Her not to take any hostile or retaliatory action against anyone involved in the investigation. The mayor's compliance with the action steps will be monitored monthly by the human resources director for six months.