Senate DFL Caucus staffer accuses Schoen of sending inappropriate Snapchat
Minnesota Sen. Dan Schoen, DFL-St. Paul Park, is accused of sexually harassing multiple women involved in state politics. Photo courtsey of the Minnesota Legislature.
(KMSP) - A Senate DFL Caucus staff member has filed a report with Senate Human Resources, stating she received an inappropriate Snapchat from then-State Representative Dan Schoen.
This report follows other sexual harassment accusations against Schoen made last week by Rep. Erin Maye Quade and former DFL candidate Lindsey Port.
In a statement, Ellen Anderson described receiving a Snapchat picture from Schoen of male genitalia in May 2015.
"I knew it crossed the line, but at the time, I assumed it was a one-time error in judgment," said Anderson in the statement. "The disturbing news of the past week makes it clear that was not the case. I felt it necessary to speak out because it is evident to me that Sen. Schoen has a pattern of inappropriate sexual interactions with colleagues and staff."
Senate Majority Leader Sen. Tom Bakk also released a statement, commending Anderson for sharing her story. He also called for Schoen's resignation.
"I will be working with the Assistant Leaders and DFL Senators to determine what actions this caucus can take to protect staff and convince Dan Schoen that he needs to resign immediately,” said Bakk in the statement.
Ellen Anderson full statement:
“I first met Dan Schoen, who was a State Representative at the time, when I worked for the Minnesota DFL in 2014. We developed a friendship and would often send texts and Snapchats to each other.
"In 2015, when I worked for the Minnesota State Senate and he was a State Representative, he sent me an inappropriate Snapchat picture. I knew it crossed the line, but at the time, I assumed it was a one-time error in judgment. The disturbing news of the past week makes it clear that was not the case. I felt it necessary to speak out because it is evident to me that Sen. Schoen has a pattern of inappropriate sexual interactions with colleagues and staff.
"I am fortunate to work at the Senate – a place where I feel supported by my team, my supervisor, and my leadership. I know that I am safe and that I have people I can turn to if something like this happens again. I do not assume that’s the case for every legislative staffer. I came forward today because it’s important to me that staff in both legislative bodies and both parties know they are not alone. No staff member should ever feel unsafe in their workplace, and I hope this conversation can help make that a reality.
"Legislators are human and no human is perfect, but this is bigger than Sen. Schoen and the Capitol. It’s bigger than Hollywood or D.C. I come to work every day and see stories in the news about women across the country who have risked everything to share with their experiences. We can only change this culture if we admit it exists."
Senator Tom Bakk full statement:
“My number one priority is to ensure that our staff have a safe working environment.
"I commend Senate DFL staffer Ellen Anderson for bravely coming forward and sharing her story. Her story further illustrates a pattern of behavior by Dan Schoen that is inappropriate and unacceptable.
"I renew my call for Dan Schoen to resign from the Minnesota Senate and to apologize for his conduct.
"I will be working with the Assistant Leaders and DFL Senators to determine what actions this caucus can take to protect staff and convince Dan Schoen that he needs to resign immediately."