For the first time ever, a survey from the CIA has revealed that almost one in three of its employees have experienced inappropriate sexual behavior at work. This information was shared exclusively with CNN, and it has raised serious concerns about the agency’s workplace culture.
According to CIA officials, the agency is going through its own version of the #MeToo movement, which began in 2017 and highlighted sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. Maura Burns, the CIA’s Chief Operating Officer, admitted, “We are not where we need to be, and I don’t need a survey to tell me that.”
Survey Insights
Only about a quarter of CIA employees took part in the survey, but the results were shocking. Among those who responded, 28% reported having faced a sexually hostile work environment at least once during their careers at the agency. Additionally, 9% said they experienced such behavior in the past year. These numbers are slightly higher than the national average and lower than those reported in the military.
A Deep-rooted Problem
CNN pointed out that there are serious issues within the agency, highlighted by two major incidents. One CIA officer stationed in Europe was accused of knowingly infecting at least five women with a sexually transmitted disease. Surprisingly, he still works at the CIA headquarters while the investigation is ongoing.
In another disturbing case, a female contractor accused a senior CIA officer of pressuring her into a sexual relationship. She claimed he visited her home armed and made threats while on CIA property. The officer has since been fired.
Last month, a federal court sentenced a former CIA officer to 30 years in prison for multiple sexual crimes. Brian Jeffrey Raymond pleaded guilty to raping four women and abusing six others during his time in Latin America over ten years.
Steps Toward Change
In response to these troubling findings, Maura Burns has set up a new office dedicated to handling sexual harassment and assault issues, known as the Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention Office (SHARP). In a recent town hall meeting, Burns and Dr. Taleta Jackson, the head of SHARP, provided guidance on how officers can report sexual harassment while keeping their identities and classified information safe.
Burns reassured attendees, saying, “Go call the police. The cover issue, we will fix; don’t worry about that.”
However, a complaint filed by one alleged victim in June raises concerns about how the CIA handles these reports. The victim claimed she was told by her superiors to lie to the police about her assault, stating that revealing her affiliation with the agency could lead to charges of mishandling classified information.
The CIA is now facing a crucial moment in addressing these serious issues. With the shocking survey results and troubling incidents coming to light, the agency must take significant steps to ensure a safe and respectful workplace for all employees. The world is watching, and the pressure is on to create real change.
