NYU Law Forum - Demanding or Demeaning? Powerful Workplaces and the Cuomo Scandal

The executive summary of a report released by New York Attorney General Letitia James in August states:

“We, the investigators appointed to conduct an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment by Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, conclude that the Governor engaged in conduct constituting sexual harassment under federal and New York State law. … We also conclude that the Executive Chamber’s culture—one filled with fear and intimidation, while at the same time normalizing the Governor’s frequent flirtations and gender-based comments—contributed to the conditions that allowed the sexual harassment to occur and persist. That culture also influenced the improper and inadequate ways in which the Executive Chamber has responded to allegations of harassment.”

Drawing on these findings and other reporting on allegations that ultimately prompted Governor Cuomo’s resignation, panelists at this Forum will discuss how workplaces—particularly those that hold themselves out as “demanding”—often also end up being demeaning. What leads to a workplace with this kind of culture? What are the tradeoffs for working to improve cultures from the inside versus calling out problems from the outside? Did the way things played out with Governor Cuomo represent a triumph or failing of #MeToo? What does a powerful, professional workplace of respect look like?

This program is co-hosted by the Birnbaum Women’s Leadership Network at NYU Law.

Panelists

Deborah Archer, Professor of Clinical Law and Co-Faculty Director, Center on Race, Inequality, and the Law, NYU Law; National Board President, ACLU (moderator)

Christina Cauterucci, Senior Writer, Slate Magazine; Coverage includes “Andrew Cuomo’s Dinosaur Excuse”

Debra S. Katz, Partner, Katz, Marshall & Banks; Practice concentrates on employment discrimination, sexual harassment, wrongful discharge, and whistleblower claims

Shelley Ross, President, The Cure Alliance; Former Executive Producer at ABC and CBS; Author of recent New York Times op-ed on sexual harassment

Maria Vullo ’87, CEO, Vullo Advisory Services; Superintendent, New York State Department of Financial Services during Governor Cuomo’s administration (2016-2019)

To join this Forum as an audience member and receive a Zoom link, please register. If you would like to submit a question for the panelists, you may do so on the registration page. Note on accessibility: This virtual event requires an internet connection and a computer or smartphone. The event will have live captioning. If you need any accommodations, or for any questions, please contact Ian Anderson at ian.anderson@nyu.edu.