Statement from CBC Chairman on Meeting with Conyers

WASHINGTON – Today, the Chairman of the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC), Congressman Cedric L. Richmond (D-LA-02), released the following statement after his meeting with Congressman John Conyers, Jr. (D-MI-13) about the sexual harassment allegations against the most senior member of Congress and his recent decision to resign as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee:

 “Today I met with John and we had a very candid conversation about the seriousness of the allegations against him, which he vehemently denies.

I told him that I agreed with his decision to step down as ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee at this time.

I also told him that I encourage and expect him to fully cooperate with the ethics investigation.

He said he would.

 “Any decision to resign from office before the ethics investigation is complete is John’s decision to make."

 “The Congressional Black Caucus calls on Congress to treat all members who have been accused of sexual harassment, sexual assault, and other crimes with parity, and we call on Congress and the public to afford members with due process as these very serious allegations are investigated.”

 The CBC supports mandatory sexual harassment training for members and staff, as well as proposed changes to the sexual harassment complaint process in Congress. On Monday, November 20, the CBC held a sexual harassment training for CBC chiefs of staff and will hold the same training for CBC members this week.

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