IAVA issued the following:
IAVA Calls for Immediate Removal of VA Secretary
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
December 14, 2020
CONTACT: press@iava.org
New York City – On December 10, the Office of Inspector General released its findings following a year-long investigation triggered by allegations that VA Secretary Robert Wilkie unfairly targeted a veteran who was sexually assaulted at the Washington, DC VA Medical Center in September 2019. While the investigation found no proof of criminal action, it did unveil the glaring unprofessionalism shown by the secretary and other high-level officials and the severe lack of attention given to the known challenges at the DC VA. The report makes it clear. Wilkie is not working for the best interests of our nation’s veterans and does not deserve to lead the VA. IAVA joins those who have lost the trust and confidence in his leadership and we call for his immediate resignation.
“In a time when we are fighting to make VA a safe and welcoming place for all veterans, it is inexcusable for the secretary of VA to focus on victim-blaming and reputation attacks rather than having concern for what the veteran experienced,” stated IAVA CEO Jeremy Butler. “Secretary Wilkie’s position makes him responsible for the safety of veterans within VA medical centers; however, the OIG report shows his blatant disregard and disrespect for what this veteran experienced in contrast with his overarching concern for his own reputation.”
The OIG’s report listed Wilkie’s attempts to disparage the veteran who had been assaulted included, but were not limited to, referring to the victim’s attack as “unsubstantiated,” questioning the veteran’s credibility, and even going so far as having the DC VA conduct an investigation of the victim before giving any consideration to investigating the alleged assailant. It was also found that a female VA employee had previously complained in May 2019 of being repeatedly sexually harassed by the very same person, an instance which VA did not examine.
“IAVA finds this report to be abhorrent. As a public official, Secretary Wilkie is to be held to the highest standard and this investigation, while does not showcase criminal actions, clearly shows a lack of commitment to VA’s mission for all veterans,” Butler continued. “VA must take a firm stand against sexual harassment and assault within their facilities, and there should be consequences for those that choose to stand by when instances occur. For these reasons, he has demonstrated that he is not fit to lead the Department, hence IAVA’s call for his term to come to an immediate end.”
Along with unprofessionalism, the report exposed several instances of neglect when it came to known problems, such as the refusal to address what many have described as a “gauntlet” at the DC medical center entrance and statements that the center was “inhospitable to women veterans.” It was also discovered that when it came to VA’s Stand Up to Stop Harassment campaign, which began in October 2019, the medical center had failed to implement key aspects of the program. A clear oversight, especially following the assault that occurred a month prior.
It is estimated that three out of four victims of sexual assault will not report it, and despite VA stating that they have a zero-tolerance policy for sexual assault and harassment, this report shows more concern for VA’s reputation than for those that have experienced harassment or assault. Major changes are needed to ensure that all veterans feel safe and accepted and until VA leadership takes accusations like this seriously and physically “Stand(s) Up to Stop Harassment,” instead of standing-by, instances like this will continue.
IAVA is the voice for the post-9/11 veteran generation. With over 400,000 veterans and allies nationwide, IAVA is the leader in non-partisan veteran advocacy and public awareness. We drive historic impacts for veterans and IAVA’s programs are second to none. Any veteran or family member in need can reach out to IAVA’s Quick Reaction Force at quickreactionforce.org or 855-91RAPID (855-917-2743) to be connected promptly with a veteran care manager who will assist. IAVA’s The Vote Hub is a free tool to register to vote and find polling information. IAVA’s membership is always growing. Join the movement at iava.org/membership.
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