MILWAUKEE -- Two Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee leaders were fired after staffers raised concerns about bullying and harassment within the committee. The Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee's Board of Directors announced the firing Tuesday night, Feb. 4.
The Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee's Board of Directors was made aware of concerns about the work environment and certain members Saturday, Feb. 1, when the investigation began.
On Tuesday evening, Feb. 4, the board released the following update on the steps they are taking to reset the culture of the Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee and restore the workplace environment:
A letter from individuals raising the allegations was dated Jan. 30 -- but the board was not made aware of the allegations until Feb. 1. Upon learning of the allegations, the board retained legal counsel to coordinate an investigation. Within 24 hours, the board engaged a third-party firm to evaluate and investigate the allegations and report to the board with their findings.
Gilbert was not involved in any discussions regarding the investigation.
"None of this should get in the way of us having a great convention to showcase Milwaukee," said Milwaukee Mayor Tom Barrett earlier Tuesday.
Joe Solmonese, the CEO of the Democratic National Convention issued this statement earlier Tuesday:
The Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee, convened in fall 2019, is responsible for "recruiting volunteers," "raising funds" and "providing convention-related facilities."
The board met with leadership monthly to ensure that the mandate of raising funds for the 2020 Democratic National Convention was being successfully met. To date, all fundraising goals were accomplished.
The Milwaukee 2020 Host Committee is separate from the responsibilities of the Democratic National Convention Committee (DNCC), which is responsible for planning and conducting the convention.
The convention starts on Monday, July 13 and runs through Thursday, July 16.