Sen. Riebe resists calls to resign over harassment, discrimination allegation

A state lawmaker says she won’t step down as fellow Senate Democrats call on her to resign and allege an independent inquiry found “a pattern of conduct towards others that was likely motivated by race, national origin, or ethnicity.” 

Sen. Kathleen Riebe, of Cottonwood Heights, said in a statement Wednesday that she disputes the characterization, hasn’t seen the investigation and wasn’t asked to provide a response.

Utah Senate Democrats call for Sen. Riebe to resign after harassment, discrimination investigation

“I am not resigning,” Riebe said in the prepared statement. “Fair process matters. Voters have entrusted me with public office four times, and I have important work ahead on behalf of my constituents.”

Her colleagues announced less than an hour before polls closed on Election Day that they had voted to remove Riebe from their caucus and were calling on her to resign. 

The independent review, which has not been made public, followed a complaint alleging workplace discrimination and harassment, according to the joint Tuesday statement from Senate Minority Leader Luz Escamilla, Minority Whip Karen Kwan, Sen. Jen Plumb, Sen. Stephanie Pitcher and Sen. Nate Blouin.

“It also revealed statements concerning employment decisions involving individuals based on their sexual orientation or other protected characteristics,” the senators said. 

Riebe said she has requested a copy of the report and its findings and will seek an opportunity to respond. 

“I was elected as a Democrat, remain committed to Democratic values, and am confident that this matter can be addressed fairly and responsibly,” Riebe said Wednesday. 

She went on to say that “across Utah and the country last night, voters sent a loud message: they expect their elected officials to focus on getting work done. I will continue doing that work for my constituents. We have a great deal to accomplish together, and that is where my focus will remain.”

A Senate spokesperson declined to release the investigation’s report Tuesday, citing “the confidentiality of those involved.”

Riebe, an educator, was first elected to the state Senate in 2018 after serving on the Utah State Board of Education. Earlier this year, she ran to represent Utah’s newly drawn 1st Congressional District before dropping out to endorse Ben McAdams. Her current Senate term runs through Jan. 1, 2029.