Probe Criticizes Management Style Of Former Head Of Yosemite

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Publish Date:
April 11, 2017
Source:
KQED - The California Report
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Summary

The former superintendent of Yosemite National Park, accused of creating a hostile work environment and discriminating against female employees, has been faulted by federal investigators for his management style and behavior.

The report, released Monday by the Interior Department’s inspector general, focused on Don Neubacher, who was Yosemite’s top official for nearly seven years and a part of the National Park Service for 37 years.

“It’s appalling that this level of sexual harassment and bullying has persisted in this workplace for so many years. And that so many individuals were unable to complain,” said Deborah Rhode, a Stanford Law professor and legal ethics scholar. She added that the allegations indicate there was a “corrosive culture” under Neubacher’s leadership.

Rhode thinks the publicity could encourage other parks to re-examine their workplace culture at a time when several other national parks are facing similar allegations of workplace abuse, including at Yellowstone and the Grand Canyon.

“With crisis comes opportunity. And cultures that have long tolerated abusive practices, when they are publicly exposed, suddenly have gotten the message,” Rhode said. “What’s really important to focus on here is how do you prevent this kind of toxic work environment from persisting for so long.”

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