ST. PAUL, MN—State Representative Josh Heintzeman, R-Nisswa, issued the following statement regarding news that a Becker County Court has ruled in favor of a plaintiff in a lawsuit filed against Honor the Earth and Winona LaDuke alleging that the organization had taken no action to stop sexual harassment by a former employee. Honor the Earth is a non-profit organization founded by Native American activist Winona LaDuke.
“I am glad that the plaintiff was able to have her day in court and that there will be some accountability provided in this disturbing case of sexual harassment,” said Heintzeman. “Leaders in positions of power should never refuse to take action against this type of behavior.”
Honor the Earth and LaDuke are seeking $920,000 in taxpayer dollars to fund a museum project in Park Rapids.
Heintzeman continued, “Under no circumstances should an organization like Honor the Earth be entitled to taxpayer funds for any reason. As legislators, we have an obligation to be good stewards of your tax dollars. That’s why Democrats must drop their plans to send nearly a million dollars to this organization—one that has routinely violated the public trust.”
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