Democrats introduce bill to combat harassment and discrimination at State Department

Democratic lawmakers seek to improve anti-harassment, assault, and retaliation policies at the State Department.

The State Harassment and Assault Prevention and Eradication (SHAPE) Act of 2020, introduced Wednesday by Reps. Joaquin Castro of Texas, Jackie Speier of California, and Eliot Engel of New York, would develop a policy on the prevention and response to harassment and discrimination issues, establish an “Office of Employee Advocacy” to assist victims, and implement a 24/7 hotline.