Conflict Resolution

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Apr 11, 2018, 6:35:37 PM4/11/18

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Please feel free to share this internally within the movement with progressives and democrats who may have been impacted by this situation. If you have questions, please contact me privately.

I’m writing to inform you of the settlement of the conflict between Robyn Swirling and myself, which began with a debate over inclusion of gay male voices and equal protection in sexual misconduct discussions related to Wellstone’s RootsCamp code of conduct.

On March 23rd, 2018, we arrived at a settlement to our dispute via a Settlement Conference process. This process is administered by the Federal Court Judge, who placed us in separate rooms and then walked back and forth while proposing compromises and terms based on the merits of the situation. Since all terms are negotiated by the Judge, this prohibits private interference or influence and ensures a fair process. It also included meetings of all participants to facilitate dialogue. The process used is described here [1]

Robyn and I agreed on a clarifying statement to be attached as a stipulation to my action of voluntary dismissal of the lawsuit. That statement is:

Statement from Robyn Swirling

Josh and I have agreed to settle lawsuit Josh filed in which he alleged that I had accused

him of engaging in violent and harassing conduct.

Josh has told me that he had no intention of being difficult or harassing. He is a gay male

activist, and he has told me that he was pursuing his goal of advocating on behalf of gay men

who are victims of sexual harassment. Josh did not engage in any sexual harassment or physical

violence toward me.

Voices from all affected communities (including Josh’s) are essential to eliminating the

problem of sexual and gender-based harassment in our progressive movement.

Robyn was not required to pay any damages, sign a non-disparagement or any other document to prevent her from speaking freely. The statement and dismissal filing is public and can be read here.[2]

Though we have had this conflict, Robyn’s voice is an important one in our community, and her courage to speak out on an issue people rarely want to talk about is something to be admired and emulated.

All parties agree that sexual misconduct is a problem for many communities regardless of sexual orientation. To protect all communities, we should work together to ensure that all voices are included in this discussion.

Josh Cohen

[1] https://drive.google.com/open?id=1ulkHZBebFU50vv8QzF86-NfAVWxH66hF

[2] https://drive.google.com/open?id=1biTjsTPKKZJFKj_ZGk6v0IWTxS_Ue0vj