30 Years of Allegations, 0 Transparency: Coast Guard Head Faces Scrutiny Over Handling of Sexual Assault Cases!

Lawmakers Express Frustration Over Insufficient Documentation and Redactions in Shared Documents

According to Denver7 ABC, Admiral Linda L. Fagan the head of the U.S. Coast Guard faced intense questioning from members of the House Oversight Committee regarding the handling of sexual assault and harassment cases at the Coast Guard Academy in Connecticut. Despite Fagan’s promises of openness and collaboration with congressional inquiries, lawmakers expressed frustration over the insufficient documentation provided and the extensive redactions in the documents that were shared. Both Democratic Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Republican Sen. Ron Johnson voiced concerns about the lack of transparency highlighting the need for more comprehensive information.

READ ALSO: 21% Corporate Rate, $20M Estate Tax Threshold, And Shift In Federal Spending-What’s At Stake?

30 Years of Allegations, 0 Transparency: Coast Guard Head Faces Scrutiny Over Handling of Sexual Assault Cases! (PHOTO: CNN)

Allegations from Coast Guard Academy’s Sexual Assault Response Coordinator Spark Congressional Scrutiny

The hearing was prompted by allegations from Shannon Norenberg the Sexual Assault Response Coordinator at the Coast Guard Academy who accused the Coast Guard of trying to conceal the findings of the Operation Fouled Anchor internal investigation. Norenberg alleged that the Coast Guard failed to adequately disclose the investigation’s findings which examined cases of sexual misconduct at the academy spanning from 1988 to 2006. Norenberg’s public apology to the victims and her subsequent resignation underscored the ongoing difficulties faced by survivors in seeking justice within the Coast Guard’s handling of sexual assault cases.

Despite Admiral Fagan’s acknowledgment of Norenberg’s contributions and her assurance that Norenberg’s claims would be part of the ongoing Office of Inspector General investigation, attorneys representing some of the victims criticized Fagan’s responses as insufficient in addressing their concerns. This underscores the enduring challenges within the Coast Guard in tackling sexual assault and harassment effectively. Lawmakers and advocates are persistently urging for increased transparency and accountability within the Coast Guard to ensure that survivors receive the justice they rightfully deserve.

READ ALSO: 11 GOP-Led States Sue Biden Administration Over Student Loan Forgiveness: 3 States Gain Legal Standing, While 8 Are Dismissed From Lawsuit-Check It Out!