Former Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton protected a top staff member accused of sexual misconduct during her first presidential campaign in 2008, The New York Times reported Friday.
Burns Strider, senior faith adviser to Mrs. Clinton, was accused of sexually harassing a young female aide. Mrs. Clinton’s campaign manager, Patti Soles Doyle, recommended the campaign fire Mr. Strider, but when Mrs. Clinton was made aware of the situation she requested he stay on staff, The Times reported.
Mr. Strider was accused of rubbing the young woman’s shoulders and kissing her forehead, in addition to the sexually suggestive emails he sent her. His pay was docked and he was order to seek counseling, while his accuser was moved to a new job. She signed a nondisclosure agreement when she eventually left the campaign, according to The Times.
A legal spokesman for Mrs. Clinton told the newspaper that the campaign had a system for handling such complaints and this situation was no different.
Mr. Strider also worked for the pro-Clinton PAC Correct the Record, and was later fired due to another allegation of sexual harassment with a young female coworker.
• Sally Persons can be reached at spersons@washingtontimes.com.
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