St Paul Mayor Accused of Sexual Harassment
· news
Second Police Official Alleges Sexual Harassment by Mayor Kaohly Her
The allegations against Kaohly Her, the Democratic mayor of St Paul, are a stark reminder that even in institutions meant to uphold the law, abuse of power can run rampant. A second senior police official has come forward with claims of sexual harassment by the mayor, following an inquiry launched earlier this year into her behavior.
Her rise to office was touted as a milestone for diversity and representation. As a Hmong refugee born in Laos and a former state congresswoman, she brought a unique perspective to city politics. However, almost immediately after taking office, Her began making waves within the police department, creating a culture of unease among her staff.
The allegations are disturbing, with claims of “orgasmic noises” made while stretching in front of others at the gym and superimposing senior police officers’ faces onto images of shirtless UFC fighters. The mayor’s use of mobile phones to send harassing messages, including one that wished an employee a “Happy Weiner Wednesday,” is particularly egregious.
The city attorney’s office has been accused of manipulating trust by Her, who claims that the police department welcomed her into their circle and are now using that against her. However, this defense rings hollow in light of the mayor’s own actions. Her statement to the Star Tribune that some of her attempts at humor “fell short” is a gross understatement.
These allegations have far-reaching implications beyond St Paul’s city limits. When those in positions of power engage in harassment and abuse, it sends a clear message: they are above the law and can act with impunity. The damage done to victims’ mental health, careers, and sense of security is immeasurable.
Her behavior is also a symptom of a larger problem – the normalization of crass humor and objectification in public spaces. This is a reminder that even as we push for greater representation and diversity, we must also address the underlying attitudes that allow these behaviors to flourish.
As St Paul’s mayor faces an investigation into her actions, it remains to be seen whether any meaningful action will be taken. Will Her be held accountable for her behavior, or will she continue to rely on her charm and charisma to deflect criticism? The people of St Paul deserve better than a leader who uses their power to harass and intimidate.
This case is not just about Kaohly Her – it’s about the culture we allow to fester in our institutions. It’s about recognizing that even in positions of power, there are consequences for abuse of authority. The people of St Paul deserve a mayor who sets an example of integrity, respect, and accountability – not one who uses their platform to indulge in petty, harassing behavior.
Reader Views
- EKEditor K. Wells · editor
The mayor's defense that some of her attempts at humor "fell short" is a masterclass in understatement. What's striking here is how little attention has been paid to the role of toxic masculinity in perpetuating this culture of harassment. The alleged behavior, from the lewd comments to the body-shaming imagery, speaks to a deeply ingrained patriarchal mindset that dehumanizes women and minorities. Unless we tackle this root issue, we'll only see more "milestones" like Her's devolve into toxic power dynamics.
- CSCorrespondent S. Tan · field correspondent
While the allegations against Mayor Kaohly Her are certainly disturbing, one aspect that deserves more scrutiny is how her office has handled internal complaints. If these claims of harassment and abuse of power are true, what accountability measures were in place before this second official came forward? Did her staff feel empowered to report incidents without fear of retaliation, or was the culture of unease already prevalent under her leadership? The city attorney's office needs to do more than just investigate - they must also examine their own role in enabling Her's behavior and creating a safe environment for those who spoke out.
- CMColumnist M. Reid · opinion columnist
The St Paul mayor's behavior is a symptom of a larger problem: that some politicians and powerful individuals believe they are above accountability. But it's also a reminder that diversity and representation alone don't guarantee a clean slate. Her actions have created a toxic culture within the police department, where victims feel intimidated from speaking out due to fear of retaliation. It's time for the city council to take concrete steps to ensure a safe work environment, including implementing robust reporting mechanisms and consequences for perpetrators. Anything less would be a dereliction of duty.