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Pacelle out at HSUS after sexual harassment storm
Story Date: 2/6/2018
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Source: POLITICO'S MORNING AGRICULTURE, 2/5/18
Wayne Pacelle resigned from his post as president and CEO of the Humane Society of the United States on Friday, in the wake of reports from The Washington Post and POLITICO about allegations of sexual harassment at the animal welfare organization, Pro Ag alum Ian Kullgren reported.
In the days after the allegations were published, Pacelle had sought to hang on to his post. At first, the board of directors cut the investigation short on Thursday and cleared Pacelle of wrongdoing. Some board members defended Pacelle and one made insensitive comments about sexual harassment to media outlets. Six board members resigned Thursday after the board decided there wasn't enough evidence to fire Pacelle. But facing a staff revolt and fleeing donors, Pacelle stepped down late Friday.
Other problems at the group: The organization was also under pressure after six women detailed a pattern of troubling behavior by another former top manager, Paul Shapiro, as first reported earlier last week by POLITICO.
Inside the turmoil at HSUS: Tensions at the nonprofit ran high last week as the board debated the course of action. About 100 staff members had joined an informal group as of Thursday afternoon calling for Pacelle's ouster, Ian reported. A change.org petition calling for Pacelle's resignation received more than 1,000 signatures by Thursday afternoon.
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