Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

The horrific claims of sexual violence made by four women against Eric Schneiderman have led to his resignation as New York attorney general, but more needs to happen if women are to feel safe.

“The fact that Eric Schneiderman resigned within hours of the credible allegations against him demonstrates the strength of the public reckoning we are in the midst of – an era of unchecked misogyny is ending,” said Sonia Ossorio, president of National Organization for Women – New York. “Abusive men like Eric Schneiderman will be held accountable. We owe a debt of gratitude to the courageous women who came forward to expose him.”

The National Organization for Women is demanding that the New York state legislature should appoint a woman with a strong record of protecting women from sexual predators to replace Eric Schneiderman. This is not politics as usual, and the stale, male, usual choice won’t do this time. We need an attorney general who will begin her job knowing exactly what to do to support and protect women. Enough is Enough.

Contact

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241

Statement by NOW President Toni Van Pelt:

The National Organization for Women (NOW) supports the call to #MuteRKelly and we add our voices to our sisters’ inspiring call to action. We join with the Time’s Up Women of Color who are calling for R. Kelly’s record label, concert producers and related music industry companies to cut ties with the singer, who has faced multiple accusations of sexual misconduct, statutory rape, aggravated assault, child pornography and imprisonment of women under threats of violence, among other charges.

The National Organization of Women (NOW) supports this call to #MuteRKelly. As Time’s Up Women of Color wrote in their open letter,

“The recent court decision against Bill Cosby is one step towards addressing these ills but it is just a start. We call on people everywhere to join with us to insist on a world in which women of all kinds can pursue their dreams free from sexual assault, abuse and predatory behavior.”

R. Kelly has been accused of horrific acts of sexual abuse going back two decades or more—and yet the entertainment industry has continually enabled and supported him. Enough is Enough, R. Kelly! And time’s up as well for an industry that overlooks sexual assault in the interest of profit.

Enough with the culture of sexual violence. NOW calls for an independent, thorough investigation of R. Kelly’s criminal acts, and an industry-wide reckoning to stop abetting sexual predators and start prioritizing respect for women.

Contact

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241

Roger Goodell Should Meet with Bailey Davis and Kristan Ware

Statement from NOW President Toni Van Pelt

Once again, the NFL has allowed a culture of sexual harassment to continue and has done nothing to change the rules and regulations for cheerleaders.

Two brave women – former NFL cheerleaders – Bailey Davis and Kristan Ware have offered to settle their claims for $1 each if they can meet with Roger Goodell to discuss how to change rules and regulations for cheerleaders in the league. Roger Goodell should not even think twice when it comes to this offer. But, he also must do more than that – the rules must change.

As a matter of fact, when the latest story broke of topless photo shoots reported by Redskins cheerleaders, a NFL spokesperson responded that the NFL, “has no role in how the clubs which have cheerleaders utilize them.” He reiterated a statement the league has issued in response to previous news reports regarding the treatment of cheerleaders: “Our office will work with our clubs in sharing best practices and employment-related processes that will support club cheerleading squads within an appropriate and supportive workplace.”

Share best practices? That’s the best they can do? Try again Roger Goodell. The NFL must take action to prioritize a safe environment for ALL of their representatives – including the women who represent their teams and the NFL brand. They need the same rules, regulations and trainings for cheerleaders, team management and players. Enough with issuing blanket statements denying responsibility. It’s time for action. The NFL needs to recognize their obligation to make tangible changes, and most importantly they need to start listening. They can start with Davis and Ware.

Contact

Dee Donavanik, press@now.org, 951-547-1241